THE MANAGEMENT OF BESS. 259 
allowed to remain on the hive long enough to properly ripen. The 
cappings are removed from the comb by a sharp knife, after which 
the frame is put in an extractor (fig. 21.) and revolved rapidly enough 
Fig. 21.—Extractor. 
to throw the honey from the cells. The frames of comb are then 
returned to the hive to be filled again by the bees. The bees consume 
honey in order to be able to secrete wax for comb building. The 
amount of honey thus required has been variously estimated. It has 
been stated that for every pound of wax secreted the bees consume 15 
to 20 pounds of honey. Certainly there is economy indicated in the 
production of extracted honey where the combs are used over and over 
again. 
In extracting, the cappings are removed with knives especially made 
for this purpose. (Fig. 22.) A butcher’s knife is used by some and 
Fig. 22.—Uncapping knives. 
found to be satisfactory. Two or more knives are needed, the one not 
in immediate use being immersed in hot water to keep it clean and 
warm. 
Care must be taken that the honey is properly ripened in the hive 
before extracting, otherwise it may ferment. The care of honey after 
extracting cannot be given in detail here, but suffice it to say that it is 
