>  leads to unstable wintering and huge consumption of winter stores.
>
>The winter stores have to be fed to the bees, which is time consuming and
>costly.


Not really sure what "a huge consumption" means. My North American mongrels
need about 80 pounds to make the winter. Some have to be fed a gallon or so
in spring. As far as feeding them their winter stores...I don't think so.
Most of my bees make their winter stores. Only some have to be fed a bit.
Certainly not massive, expensive feeding. I believe in large populous
colonies to properly winter, harvest large crops, and overwinter well. I
think it the proper bee for this northern climate where I keep bees. So,
since many yards averaged 200 pounds plus this summer, with some 300
pounders, and since they made their own winter feed, I guess I rather like
my North American, all mixed up, power house, Heinz 57 Variety mongrels.

You knew I'd say something, didn't you Dave? But, you have your bee for the
UK Midlands, and I have mine for Vermont.
Mike




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