198 WAX A BY-PRODUCT OF THE APIARY 



cially for the particular purpose of rearing queens and are built 

 only as needed and frequently torn down when no longer of 

 immediate use. The regular comb built permanently is all of 

 the six-sided shape and of the two sizes. The larger cells such 

 as are used for rearing drones serve equally well for honey 

 storage. 



Uses of Wax. — For many centuries beeswax has been known 

 as a commercial commodity. So valuable was it in ancient times 

 that taxes were at times paid in wax and a tribute of wax was 

 levied by victorious kings on the unfortunate inhabitants of the 

 country which they had overrun. Many references to this prod 

 uct are to be found in ancient writings both sacred and secular. 

 Rents and other obligations were paid in beeswax to such an 

 extent as to indicate the demand must have greatly exceeded the 

 supply. Before the invention of paper, wax tablets were used 

 for the purpose of making temporary records, for correspondence, 

 etc. 



Wax candles have long been used for various ceremonial pur- 

 poses in the churches, and this custom has survived the centuries 

 and still offers a market for quantities of wax, for some churches 

 still use candles made of beeswax for this purpose. 



Many delicate objects are moulded of wax, as fruits and 

 flowers, that are so natural in appearance as to perfectly deceive 

 the casual observer. Figures and models of various kinds are 

 also made of this material, as it is very plastic and responds to 

 the most delicate touch of the artist. 



Tailors make use of pure beeswax in many cases for sewing 

 wax, shoemakers and harnessmakers also make use of it, either 

 pure or mixed with other materials for waxing their threads. 



It is a common ingredient of varnish and furniture polish, 

 lithographic inks, various cements, waterproofing materials, and 

 in many remedies and other commodities handled by the drug 

 trade. 



Comb Foundation. — The bee-keeper has of late years come to 

 be his own best customer. Since the invention of the mills that 



