202 



WAX A BY-PRODUCT OF THE APIARY 



properly applied and the material of the right temperature almost 

 any of them will get the wax. 



The Hatch Press. — The most popular press seems to be a 

 modification of the Hatch press and is usually called bv that 

 name. It is a simple implement as good things usually are (Fig. 

 100). There is a strong frame to give sufficient strength to the 



iron screw by means of 

 which the pressure is ap- 

 plied. The form is of metal 

 and round in shajDe. There 

 is a round opening for draw- 

 ing off the liquids. This 

 may be closed with a cork 

 when desired to prevent the 

 escape of the hot water 

 when pressing. 



How the Wax is Ren- 

 dered. — In addition to the 

 press will be needed a boiler 

 in which to melt the combs 

 and some sheets of burlap. 

 The boiler should be partly 

 filled with water and placed 

 over a hot fire. The combs 

 to be rendered are thrown 

 into the water and after it 

 begins to get hot are stirred freely. As the mass is melted 

 additional combs can be added. Plenty of water should be 

 used to insure best results. The mass should be heated thor- 

 oughly and all wax should be melted fully but care should 

 be used not to overdo it and scorch the wax, as might easily 

 happen if too many combs are boiled for the quantity of water. 

 The burlap should be laid in the press and the opening corked 

 up and the tank filled with hot water in order to have the 

 press hot when the melted combs are poured into it. The water 



Fig. 100. — Hatch wax press. 



