47 



added new white comb to the old comb to a depth of about 

 I inch below the top bar in order to provide increased storage 

 space for honey, a super may be put on. 



To prepare an economic section-crate for use, first place three 

 folded " D " sections (27) in a row across 

 109. Preparing that end of the section-crate beneath 

 Economic Section- which there is no slip of wood (29), 

 crate. pressing them close up to that end of 



the crate, the unsplit side of each sec- 

 tion resting on the crate rails. Wedge them in this position 

 by inserting a wedge of wood between the front half of 

 one section and the crate side, then while standing behind 

 the crate, open the split in all three sections by drawing 

 back the back halves of the sections with one hand (Pig. 34), 

 then, with the other hand insert a 12|-inch by 4J-inch sheet 

 of section foundation (34) into the space thus formed, letting 

 it go well down into the splits ; the thickness of the foundation 

 will prevent its being let down as far as is necessary, therefore 

 squeeze it, by closing the sections, after which again draw back 

 the back halves and lower the foundation into its proper 

 place, almost to the bottom of the sections, leaving 

 the upper edge of the foundation flush with the tops 

 of the sections ; press the halves of the sections tightly 

 together with the follower (29), and if the operation 

 has been neatly performed the foundation will be fixed in 

 correct position and free from buckles. Next place a long 

 separator (28) in position against this first row of sections, 

 and place and fill the remaining sections in the same way until 

 the crate contains twenty -one sections. Then place the fol- 

 lower behind the last row of sections, taking care to turn the 

 bevelled edge towards the sections, and wedge it tightly against 

 them by inserting two or three springs (29) between it and the 

 back of the crate (Fig. 35). If the crate is fitted with metal 

 girders instead of laths, it will be necessary to cut small V 

 pieces out of the foundation to permit of its being let down 

 over the girders in the correct position. The first crate to be 

 put on a hive should be covered with a piece of calico or other 

 suitable cheap strong material, cut 18 inches by 18 inches, 

 damped , and stretched neatly over the sections ; over this should 

 be placed another cover of woollen material, large enough to 

 fall over the sides of the crate ; it should be secured by a cord 

 passed round the sides and tied firmly. Crates should be 

 covered to protect from dust until required for use. Before 

 placing a crate on a hive, smear the under sides of the crate in- 

 cluding the laths with petroleum jelly, to prevent its being pro- 

 polised and thus causing trouble when removed. 



To place a section-crate, uncover the hive, remove the lift, place 



■D1 • a * the crate on the lift , remove the quilt , and 



cSt at the same time draw the subduing-clotli 



over the frames (65) ; then with a hand on 



each side of the crate, hold it over and just clear of the cloth. 



While doing so grip the stick of the subduing-cloth with the 



