A. AND M. COLLEGE APIARY. 



27 



made by machinery and consists of a sheet of wax having impressed in 

 it, on both sides, the bottoms of the cells, as well as a portion of the cell 

 walls. As its name signifies, it is the foundation upon which the bees 

 build their combs and by its use much time and labor is saved the bees, 

 in addition to the fact that it insures straight combs. This foundation 

 is fastened into the frame by means of a double groove and wedge, as 

 shown in Fig. 4, or by using the foundation roller, shown in Fig. 5. The 

 foundation next has imbedded in it three or four fine tinned wires, 

 stretched tightly through the frame from end to end. This imbedding is 

 done with a "spur wire-imbedder," which is no more nor less than a small 

 steel tracing wheel, with alternating teeth. These wires serve to hold 

 the comb firmly when built out, and prevent its sagging or breaking 

 when shipped or handled. On no account should this wiring be omitted. 

 Upon the hive-body is placed the cover, which is also made in various 

 designs, but a good cover should be thoroughly tight and the boards 



f 



Fig. 6. A serviceable bee-veil. 

 (After A.I. Boot Co.) 



Fig. 7.-Corneil smoker, 

 A. I. Boot Co.) 



(After 



should be prevented from warping by being inserted in a grooved end- 

 piece. When surplus honey is being gathered by the bees a "super" or 

 upper story is placed above the hive body and the cover upon top of the 

 super. Supers will be further discussed under the head of "Honey 

 Flow." 



OTHER APPARATUS. 



In addition to the hives, it is imperative that the bee keeper have a 

 good strong veil and a smoker. The veil best adapted to this purpose 

 is made of cotton tulle, with a silk tulle face, and is illustrated in Fig. 6. 

 The cotton tulle is durable and the face of silk tulle does not interfere 

 with the sight. If the beginner is a bit timid, it may be well to have a 

 pair of gloves, either of cotton oiled with linseed oil or of common leather 

 not too thick or stiff. After a little familiarity with the bees the gloves 

 will be found entirely unnecessary, except in the case of extremely cross 

 colonies. While in practice it is well to dispense with the gloves, the veil 

 should always be worn, as a matter of precaution against sudden attacks 



