Abstract: Apparatus for replenishing a melt while a crystal growing operation is in process. The apparatus comprises an elongated hollow housing member having an open top end and a closed bottom end. A vertically movable support means for supporting a charge of source material, to be added to the melt, is located within the hollow housing member. The apparatus further comprises a conduit means for delivering a predetermined charge of source material to the support means. A charge of source material is delivered to the melt by operation of a retractor means that retracts the support means downwardly within the hollow housing member against the force of a spring means that yieldingly biases the support means upwardly within the hollow housing member towards the open top end of the hollow housing member. When the support means reaches a predetermined release point in its downward motion, the retractor means automatically releases the support means to the force of the spring means.