240 AUSTRALIAN BEE LORE AND BEE CULTURE. 



An open box, the remaining sides having three or four 1-inoLi 

 auger holes pierced in them, and fixed to a stand of about 10 feet 

 or 15 feet high, in the form of a tripod, is a first-rate appliance for 

 bees to settle in, especially if a dead queen be fixed within. When 

 the swarm is on the wing, this box, stood up in the midst of them, 

 is almost sure to attract them to settle therein, and, if so, it will 

 save a deal of trouble in following them. 



ONE POUND SECTIONS.— These can be bought very 

 cheaply. They are, when nicely and evenly filled, very sale- 

 able. There is not so much profit in producing sections as there 

 is in extracted honey, — but they are very nice for table purposes. 

 (See page 228). 



THE UNCAPPING KNIFE.— These are required only when 

 you have a honey extractor. As the name implies, they are used 



for the purpose of removing the caps from the honey cells before 

 placing the frame in the extractor. For uncapping, two knives 

 should be employed. These should be placed in a tin billy of hot 

 water, or some other such vessel, and used alternately. The water 

 can be kept hot by means of a small lamp placed under the tin 

 billy. When uncapping, cut downwards. This will cause the 

 cappings to fall more readily and clear from the comb. 



BEE VEILS. — These are a great protection to the face whilst 

 working among the bees. A bag made with mosquito net, and 

 open at both ends, is the usual thing. A broad-brimmed hat, with 

 such a bag sevv-n to its edge, is the most convenient. Let it be 

 long enough to come well over the shoulders. It will be found 

 difficult to see through the ordinary white netting ; therefore, for 

 the face, a small square of black Brussels net should be inserted 

 for the purpose of obtaining a clearer vision of the work. Some 

 veils have gauze wire fronts, others glass. As you obtain confi- 

 dence, the veil will be discarded. 



THE SOLAR WAX EXTRACTOR.— This is a very handy 

 thing — a sort of save-all. A shallow box, with glass lid, is the 

 thing required. A couvexed, semicircular false bottom, made of 

 bright tin, is fixed within. The deepest part should not be more 

 than 6 inches from the glass. One end of the false bottom should 



