198 WAX A BY-PRODUCT OF THE APIARY 
cially for the particular purpose of rearing queens and are built 
only as needed and frequently torn down when no longer of 
immediate use. The regular comb built permanently is all of 
the six-sided shape and of the two sizes. The larger cells such 
as are used for rearing drones serve equally well for honey 
storage. 
Uses of Wax.—For many centuries beeswax has been known 
as a commercial commodity. So valuable was it in ancient times 
that taxes were at times paid in wax and a tribute of wax was 
levied by victorious kings on the unfortunate inhabitants of the 
country which they had overrun. Many references to this prod- 
uct are to be found in ancient writings both sacred and secular. 
Rents and other obligations were paid in beeswax to such an 
extent as to indicate the demand must have greatly exceeded the 
supply. Before the invention of paper, wax tablets were used 
for the purpose of making temporary records, for correspondence, 
ete. 
Wax candles have long been used for various ceremonial pur- 
poses in the churches, and this custom has survived the centuries 
and still offers a market for quantities of wax, for some churches 
still use candles made of beeswax for this purpose. 
Many delicate objects are moulded of wax, as fruits and 
flowers, that are so natural in appearance as to perfectly deceive 
the casual observer. Figures and models of various kinds are 
also made of this material, as it is very plastic and responds to 
the most delicate touch of the artist. 
Tailors make use of pure beeswax in many cases for sewing 
wax, shoemakers and harnessmakers also make use of it, either 
pure or mixed with other materials for waxing their threads. 
It is a common ingredient of varnish and furniture polish, 
lithographic inks, various cements, waterprooting materials, and 
in many remedies and other commodities handled by the drug 
trade. 
Comb Foundation.—The bee-keeper has of late years come to 
be his own best customer. Since the invention of the mills that 
