1414 Department of Agriculture 



Large quantities of beeswax arc consumed in the manufacture 

 of wax candles, in the dental profession and in other arts and 

 crafts. 



Beekeepers themselves are becoming extensive users of this pro- 

 duct, and it api)cars reasonable to expect an advance in price with 

 the comino- years on account of the increasina; demand. 



Beeswax is produced at much expense to the apiarist as it is a 

 well-known fact that the bees consume from ten to twenty pounds 

 of honey to secrete one pound of wax. 



The waxen combs of the bee are indeed a wonder. With its 

 God-implanted instinct and without square, level or compass, the 

 bee produces a work that is nearly perfect for the purpose re- 

 quired ; namely, for the storage of honey and rearing of brood, for 

 the maintenance of the colony. 



The apiarist should carefully gather all fragments of comb and 

 wax that are removed from hives, frames, etc., in apiary work. 

 These may be melted in a solar wax extractor or otherwise. In 

 rendering old combs into wax, if done in quantity, it will probably 

 pay to secure a good Avax press, as that is about the only way in 

 which practically all the wax may be secured. 



SHALL THE BEEKEEPER PRODUCE CO:\rB OR EXTRACTED IIOI^EY ? 



This question must be decided by each individual for himself, 

 depending as it does on the circumstances of the case. 



Some sections are better adapted to the production of comb 

 honey than others, especially where there is a long, continued flow 

 of clover or other white honey. Again the apiarist, if following 

 the occupation for recreation, may prefer this for aesthetic reasons 

 since more time and skill is required to produce it, and the result 

 is more artistic and beautiful. 



It has been frequently claimed that comb honey is a luxury — 

 hence the demand is somewhat limited, and consequently the price 

 can not be advanced to any extent. If such be the case, let it take 

 its place beside other liixnrics and make tlic price such that it may 

 be produced at a good ])rotii. The people who purchase luxuries 

 will have them and pay the price whatever it may be. 



Extracted honey while jnst as healthful and good as an article 

 of food, can be produced and sold more cheaply and will be pur- 



