In a message dated 97-04-08 15:54:49 EDT, you write: << I am planning on just sitting a bucket of syrup on the inner cover with a super and top cover over it. I plan to put some sticks or something in the bucket for the bees to land on. >> Put a good hand full of straw or hay in the bucket it won't take much room and you will drown far less bees that way. Also start with half a bucket of syrup and check it in a couple days to see how the bees are doing. If you put the syrup on warmed up to about 90 degrees the bees start to take it down pretty fast. Happy Beekeeping