OR, MANUAI, OF THB APIARY. 333 



the hive and operator. The one figured is very ingenious in 

 its construction, is light and cheap. Mr. Root sells it all made 

 for use for $1.50. 



TO KEEP EXTRACTED HONEY. 



Extracted honey, if to be sold in cans or bottles, may be 

 run into them from the extractor. The honey should be thick, 

 and the vessels may be sealed or corked, and boxed at once. 



If large quantities of honey are extracted, it may be most 

 conveniently kept in barrels. These should be Srst-class, and 

 ought to be waxed before using them, to make assurance 

 doubly sure against any leakage. No rosin should be used 

 with the wax, as it injures the honey. Good second-hand alco- 

 hol barrels are excellent, and cost but $1.00. These and 

 whisky barrels need no waxing. They must be thoroughly 

 cleaned, but must never be charred by burning inside. To 

 wax the barrels, we may use beeswax, but paraffine is cheaper, 

 and just as efficient. Three or four quarts of the hot paraffine 

 or wax should be turned into the barrel, the bung driven in 

 tight, the barrel twirled in every position, after which the 

 bung is loosened by a blow with the hammer, and the residue 

 of the wax turned out. Economy requires that the barrels be 

 warm when waxed, so that only a thin coat will be appro- 

 priated. Barrels must be tight without soaking, though it is 

 best to drive the hoops well before using them. We should 

 also test them by use of a little hot water before use. If, when 

 sealed, no steam escapes they are surely tight. Cypress kegs 

 are much used for smaller vessels, but are more expensive, 

 while the second-hand alcohol barrel holds about 500 pounds. 

 Kegs that hold respectively 50, 100, and 175 pounds cost 40, 60, 

 and 80 cents. Barrels or kegs should never be soaked, as the 

 honey absorbs the water, and leaking will almost surely fol- 

 low. If driving the hoops and waxing will not make them 

 tight, then they are unfit for use. 



Earge tin cans, waxed and soldered at the openings after 

 being filled, are cheap, and may be the most desirable recepta- 

 cles for extracted honey. Tin cans are rapidly replacing bar- 

 rels for honey. These are made of various sizes, and are 

 shipped either in a wooden jacket {Fig. 189) or packed in bar- 



