862 FOODS AND FOOD ADULTERANTS. 



the spaces left vacant by the withdrawal of the dies from the material being formed, 

 which can be accomplished by making a cavity in each hexagonal projection of the 

 die, and with a removable valve in one of the facets of each hexagon, or at the apex 

 formed by the juncture of the facets. Amongst the many materials which may be 

 used may be mentioned compounds of which wax forms a part rubber and gutta- 

 percha, and compounds of which they or either of them are components, papier- 

 mache", etc. Thin sheets of metal, reduced to the tenuity of foils, may bo used, 

 though I prefer good uouconductors of heat improved by being rendered waterproof 

 if not so. 



Very many materials and compounds not mentioned may be used, but it is unneces- 

 sary herein to attempt to specify them, as my invention is not confined to, and is in- 

 dependent of any particular material. It may be mentioned that with some materials 

 heat as well as pressure may be used in shaping the artificial comb fonudatiou. Many 

 variations may be made in niy invention which, though not improvements upon it, 

 embody its essence. For example the relative arrangement of the impressing dies may 

 be varied so as to produce a different arrangement of cells on the obverse and reverse 

 sides of the comb foundation from that shown ia the drawings, in which case the 

 thickness of the division plate would have to be increased provided the pyramidal 

 depressions made by the three rhomboidal facets terminating each hexagon were re- 

 tained. Such depressions might be dispensed with and the foundation sheet might be 

 impressed so as to leave slightly projecting ridges of the material from which the sides 

 of the cells can be extended on each side of the sheet. But I do not recommend any 

 departure from the closest imitation possible of the natural central sheet of the comb 

 as formed by bees. To render the artificial comb foundation acceptable to the bees it 

 is not requisite that any portion of the sides of the cells should be formed thereon as 

 the salient angles on either side formed at the edges of the described depressions are 

 a sufficient guide to the bees, and from them they will commence the waxen sides of 

 their hexagonal cells. By the employment of my invention in beehives perfect regu- 

 larity of combs and their kind is insured, and the production of drones prevented to 

 any extent desired. I propose to take honey from store combs built upon my artificial 

 foundations by removing the full combs from the hives and by slicing off the natural 

 waxen superstructure ; the artificial central portion of the comb being then replaced 

 in the hive will be again built upon by the bees, saving to them always the elaboration 

 of wax and the time required for the construction of this part of the comb which con- 

 sumes more time in its natural construction than other parts of the comb of equal 

 weight, because fewer laborers can be engaged upon it at one time than on other por- 

 tions. 



I claim as a new article of manufacture, an artificial substitute for the central divi- 

 sion of comb built by bees, which presents to them, on both sides thereof, guides for 

 the construction or continuation of the sides of the comb cells whether the game is 

 constructed with or without the whole or any portion of the sides of the cells. 



SAM. WAGNKR. 



Witnesses : 



D. 8. WAGNER, 

 JOHN A. URLBEN. 



No. 115066, ISSUED MAY 23, 1871. 



Homer A. King, of New York, claims a machine for making a comb, having about 

 one-third of the cell ready for completion by the bees. To prevent the dies from 

 sticking to the wax, they are kept moistened with vinegar. 



No. 134411, ISSUED DECEMBER 31, 1872. 



Joseph Williams, of Bean Station, Tenn., claims a device for making artificial comb, 

 in which the cells, instead of standing perpendicular to the foundation, are inclined 



