THE BEE-KEEPERS- REVIEW 273 



matter, and also perhaps it is very simple and very evident if we 

 only have eyes to see. 



The foundation manufacturers buy the wax where they can, 

 getting it in all sorts of conditions and qualities, and it is pretty safe 

 to assume that, taken the years through, it averages up pretty much 

 the same. They treat it about the same each year, save for now 

 and then some l)Iind groping for a way to lessen cost, improve qual- 

 ity and prevent stretching. To "lessen cost of manufacture" — that 

 sounds as if the trouble might lie there, but it does not prove to be 

 so, for of two lots of foundation made from the same stock of crude 

 wax and by the same process, one will be awfully tired and never 

 stop stretching, while the other will stand up to its duty like a little 

 soldier. 



Wonder if to "improve quality" has anything to do with it? 

 Long years ago most brood foundation was really quite brown. The 

 bright yellow, soft and fragrant kind which we now have was un- 

 known. Then there was no such grievous trouble with the founda- 

 tion stretching. I mean not as a steady habit. Now and then a lot 

 would rebel at the conditions it was used imder, and would raise 

 Cain, but it w^as hardly to be blamed. 



A few seasons ago, I came across about ten potmds of light 

 brood foundation which had been stored away in the attic about 

 twenty years before and forgotten, quite completely forgotten. It 

 did not seem to have grieved over its long seclusion, nor did it cut 

 up any capers on being taken out and put to use. To be sure, some 

 of it had its back up, was a bit stifif in the joints or a little out of 

 shape from lying in a cramped position, but warming its chilled blood 

 in the bright sunshine, followed by a little gentle massaging, soon 

 made it feel quite fit. It's complexion was a trifle sallow, some of it 

 a little pale and a bit dusty around the edges, but old friends are 

 old friends, and I was right glad to try and freshen them up and 

 make them feel as if life was worth while after all. So I set them 

 at work. Did the bees use it? Oh, dear me, yes; of course they 

 used it. Why not? (iave a good colony a sheet of that and a sheet 

 of new at night, and the next afternoon there were two fine combs 

 with eggs and pollen and honey in them. And they were fine 

 combs, only one was liner than the other, and that one was the one 

 built from the old foundation. 



Quite contrary to current statement and belief, but facts, like 

 bees, are stubborn things. 



Well, for a time it looked as if it w'as the long and thorotigh 

 seasoning that old foundation got which made it so good, and I con- 

 templated buying all my foundation twenty years ago. But the 

 new foundation was working well, too. 



Just then I put into use some more new foundation from the 



