EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 373 



x 



width and length, and the frame may be stiffened by driving one 

 nail through each end into it. If comb is used for guides (pp. 72, 

 130), or the other devices for securing straight comb succeed, these 

 triangular guides may be dispensed with. 



Double Movable Comb-Frames. Fig. 73, Plate X., page 96. 



This frame is made up of the same parts as two single frames, 

 differing from them only by having their end pieces in common, 

 which are 8 " x 2t" x |". In putting this frame together, if the 

 triangular guides are used, they are first to be nailed, as in the single 

 frames, centrally to the top pieces ; each top piece, when nailed 

 to the end pieces, projects over their edges one-eighth of an inch, 

 and the bottom pieces come flush with the edges of the end pieces. 

 As one side of a comb is usually a fac simile of the other, these 

 double frames, which are proposed for trial, may answer a valu- 

 end, in connection with the single ones. They rest very firmly 

 on the rabbets, and are easily adjusted and handled. 



All the parts of the movable frames should be cut out by cir- 

 cular saws (p. 332). and the measurements should be exact, so 

 that the frames when nailed together may be square. If they are 

 not strong and perfectly square, the proper working of the hive 

 will be greatly interfered with. Ten single, or.five double frames, 

 equally distant from each other, are placed in the lower hive, and 

 nine single frames, or four double frames and one single one, may 

 be placed in the upper hive, for surplus honey. 



Comb-Guides. Fig. 72, Plate VI., page 48. 



This figure shows the form of a metallic stamp, invented by 

 Mr. Wehring, of Bavaria, Germany, for printing or stamping the 

 foundations of the combs upon the under side of the frames. 

 After the outlines are made, he rubs melted wax over them, and 

 scrapes off all that does not sink into the depressions. Mr. Wehr- 

 ing represents this device as enabling him to dispense with guide- 

 combs, the bees appearing to be delighted to have their work thus 

 accurately sketched out for them. In first using the triangular 

 guides I waxed their edges, but soon found that this was unneces- 



