140 



THE PRACTICAL BEE GUIDE. 



and foundation is a far more than sufificicnt set off. Suppost 

 the extracting outfit to cost ^2 (which is a liberal allowance 

 for a small apiary), the annual charge, at 5%, upon that outlay, 

 with allowance of 15% for depreciation, may be set down at 

 8s. But the sections and foundation required for four hives 

 may cost £1 per annum; for six hives, £1 los. ; for ten hives, 

 £2 los., which shows a very substantial economy in favour of 

 working for extracted honey, where more than three strong 

 stocks are emxjloyed. 



257. Preparing Crates and Sections If the crate has been 



used before, let it be well scalded, washed, and scraped clean 

 from propolis and wax. Fasten a section folding block (which 

 is a piece of wood 4" x 4" x ij" or 2") to a bench, or table, by 

 a screw through the centre of the block : take a section, and 

 carefully fold it upon the four sides of the block, fastening 

 the ends together ; proceed until you have folded twenty-one 

 sections, whicli will be sufficient for one ordinary crate. If 

 the sections are very dry, and inclined to break at the corners, 

 damp them at the V cuts on both sides before folding. 



258. Three Split Sections — If you are using three split 

 sections (101), foundation can be fixed in three sections at one 



time. Place three 

 sections in the 

 crate, as shown 

 (Fig. 85), and with 

 the unsplit sides 

 down : between the 

 further side of one 

 of the end sections 

 and the side of the 

 crate, push in a 

 wedge, to hold the 

 sections tightly: 

 draw out the nearer 

 halves of the sec- 

 tions, and drop in 

 a I2j" X 4'' or 4I" 

 sheet of super 

 foundation: remove 

 the wedge, and, 

 with the follower 

 (106) press the sec- 



Fig. 85. 

 FIXING FOUNDATION IN THREE SPLIT 

 SECTIONS. 



cions together, so that the foundation may be gripped. 

 Remove the follower : put in one long, or three short separators 

 (102) ! add three more sections : and proceed as before until the 

 crate has its full quantity. When the last row of sections is 



