IMPLEMENTS. 



55 



the outlines of bees 7 cells cut on it was then pressed against this wax 

 so as to form a guide which should lead the bees to build their combs 

 within the frames. This was only a comb guide, but was succeeded by 

 small strips of wax having the outlines of bees' cells pressed on tbein 

 by hand, a block of wood being engraved for this purpose. The gen- 

 eral use of comb foundation, especially of the full sheets, was only 

 made possible through the improved means of manufacturing it devel- 

 oped in the United States. The slow process of hand stamping was 

 succeeded by its rapid production on machines, the essential feature of 

 which is two engraved cylinders 

 between which the warm sheet of 

 wax is made to pass (fig. 43). Such 

 machines are now made in numer- 

 ous patterns costing from $15 up. 

 Foundation is made with flat-bot- 

 tomed cells and also with the same 

 form as that given by the bees to 

 combs constructed wholly by them- 

 selves. Both sorts are readily 

 accepted by the bees and built out. 

 Both these kinds are also made in 

 various qualities and weights. Only 

 a good quality of perfectly pure 

 beeswax should be accepted. Brood 



foundation is made in light, medium, FlG . 43.-comb-foundation machine. 

 and heavy weights. For use in sec- 

 tion boxes thin surplus and extra thin surplus are made of light-colored 

 wax. When full sheets are used in sections it is better to have it extra 

 thin lest there should be a noticeable toughness of the midrib, technically 

 known as " fishbone." For nn wired frames the medium or heavy brood- 

 comb foundation should be employed. , 



Until used it is best to keep comb foundation between sheets of paper 

 and well wrapped, since if long exposed to the air the surface of the 

 wax hardens somewhat, but if well packed it may be used years after 

 it was made with almost the same advantage as when first rolled out. 



It requires considerable skill to make foundation successfully, and 

 those who use but a small amount will do better to purchase their supply. 

 The high quality of nearly all of the foundation thus far supplied in this 

 country has also justified this plan. Should the practice of adulter- 

 ating wax become as common among comb-foundation manufacturers 

 in this country as on the continent of Europe no doubt many more 

 would procure machines and make their own foundation. 



