>> I have heard many beekeepers recommend feeding
>> syrup of a two-to-one ratio in autumn.

The exact proportion is not at all important.  The idea is simply to
dissolve as much sugar into a given amout of water as possible without
supersaturating the solution.

Since the saturation point of sugar in water varies with temperature, sugar
may dissolve nicely, giving a clear solution, at a warm mixing temperature,
but precipitate some sugar later, when exposed to colder temps.

We buy truckloads of perfectly mixed 2:1 syrup from the factory, and still
find that some sugar always precipitates over winter if we have extra and
keep some of the syrup in a tank until Spring.

If syrup is well mixed, allowed to stand to clarify, and is still clear when
fed, and if it is then taken down quickly by bees there should be no
problem.  However, if the syrup is mixed a thick as possible, using heat,
and/or is murky after mixing, and not allowed to clear before distribution
to the bees, some precipitation is likely within a faily short time.

allen
A Beekeeper's Diary: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/diary/

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