204 WAX A BY-PRODUCT OF THE APIARY 
combs on which pressure is applied by means of a screw. The 
melting wax falls into the water below and runs out the over- 
flow spout (Fig. 101). 
Boiler Press.—There are different kinds of hot water presses 
in use but in general they may be said to consist of a strong can 
in which is contained a heavily bound basket. <A bar across the 
center supports the screw by means of which the pressure is 
applied. In this kind of extractor 
the water comes up around the 
melted combs which are under 
pressure aud the boiling and 
pressing are carried on at the 
same time. When the wax is all 
out sufficient water is supplied to 
earry it off through the tube near 
the top, while the small amount 
of refuse straining through the 
cloth settles to the bottom of the 
can. This plan gives good results 
if carefully done but there is 
some difficulty in getting all the 
wax out of the can. 
There is no trouble about the 
mass cooling while under pressure 
and the operation can be repeated 
as often as desired by simply loosening the screw and saturating 
the cheese with water again. 
Bleaching Wax.— [very time the wax is melted the tendency 
is to a lighter color and the exposure to the sun in the solar 
extractor also tends to whiten it. Although sulfuric acid is 
sometimes used for clarifying, there is seldom any occasion 
for the bee-keeper to bother about bleaching further than to 
re-melt any cakes of wax that are very dark and to remove as 
much impurity as possible. The difference in price that will be 
received will hardly pay for the extra trouble, however. 
i 
6 2680 90 
8c0%eee 
0} 
ms Pg 
5 
“) 
120) 
Fie, 101,—Steam wax press. 
