"Kurt Bower"asked:
> Why is agitation of sugar water better for the bees and
> better for the environment?
As far as the bees are concerned, it is better than syrup that has been
heated to a high temperature, e.g in making candy.  I see no problems for
the bees if it is heated up to boiling point and then cooled.

Environmentally, agitation uses far less energy than heat.

> While you're at it, would you like to give some specifics about your
> washing machine method? I can understand the process of getting the water
> and sugar in but getting the sugar syrup out sounds as if it could present
> some difficulties?

I used an old Hoover single tub washing machine with the agitator on the
back wall.  Removed the filter cover over the drain outlet in the bottom of
the tub so that I could put a plug in to stop the sugar going into the pump
(it will solidify in the pump and wreck it!).
Add the sugar and cold water, turn on for 15 mins, remove the plug and pump
out the syrup.  The syrup will be slightly cloudy, but soon clears.

Peter Edwards
[log in to unmask]
www.stratford-upon-avon.freeserve.co.uk/

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