40 



two divisions, it is natural for them to start storing in the upper one, occupying the 

 brood -cells as quickly as they are vacated. At the end of a good flow the upper division 

 will be entirely free of young. When the super is half-full, a second one should be 

 inserted between it and the brood-chamber. It is well to leave the honey on the hive 

 for several weeks after the flow is over, so that it may thoroughly ripen, for green honey 

 is very apt to turn sour. 



The honey is removed from the comb in a machine called an extractor. After the 

 cappings have been cut from the cells the frames are set in the baskets of the machine, 

 which are then made to revolve at a high rate of speed, quick enough to throw the 

 honey out of the combs against the sides of the can. An extractor suitable for Langs- 

 troth frames and big enough for a small apiary will probably cost, delivered, about 

 $16 or $17. 



Taking the Combs from the Hive. 



The actual work of extracting is best done on a warm day, as the honey is most 

 liquid then, and in a room from which bees are excluded by a screen-door. Removing 



Fig. 21. Uncapping Comb. 



the frames from the hive is to most beginners a rather serious problem, on account of 

 the multitude of bees on them. Go about the task in this fashion : Smoke the bees 

 down among the frames. Take out the first frame and shake the bees off it at the 

 entrance of the hive, then place it in an empty hive, which should be standing on a 

 wheelbarnjw close by. Draw the second frame towards the side, so as to make a gap 

 between it and the next frame. Into this pass a whisp of long green grass, or a switch 

 brush, and so wipe most of the bees off the comb. Lift the frame and shake off the 

 remaining bees into the vacant space, then set it beside the first frame in the hive on 

 the barrow. Treat the balance of the frames in the same way. The empty body is 

 now removed — of course, supposing that the honey-flow is past ; if not, it must be 

 refilled with empty frames. Now wheel the load of combs to the extracting-room and 

 do not worry about the few bees you may carry in, for they will soon try to get out by 

 door or window, and not bother you at all. 



Uncapping is done by a long, very sharp knife ; a butcher knife is good, but one 

 can buy a style sjiecially designed for the purpose. Old combs are rather tough, so it 

 is often necessary to heat the blade of the knife, M'liich is best done by placing it in hot 

 water when not in actual use. In uncapping, tlie idea is to cut a slice from each side 



