194 



WAX ANB COMB. 



76. — MANNER OF SETTING DP 

 METAM-IC COMB. 



These strips were placed together, as shown in fig. 76. 

 It will be seen that two opposite sides of each cell were 

 composed of two thicknesses of tin. A sheet of this same 

 light tin was used to form the flat base of the cells. After 

 both sides were fitted, and secured, the whole was dipped 

 in hot wax, and was then ready for use. The first piece 



tested was about four 

 inches square, and was 

 placed in the center of a 

 frame of worker-comb, 

 by cutting a hole of the 

 desired size and fitting it 

 in very exactly, so as to 

 present an even surface. 

 This was placed at the 

 center of the cluster, 

 where the queen occupied it, filling it with eggs, 

 just as she did the natural cells adjoining; and in 

 due time the young bees matured in both equally well. 

 There were manifest advantages in combs so constructed. 

 Worms certainly could not injure them and disturb the 

 bees and brood ; but after thoroughly testing them, it was 

 evident that the weight and expense of such combs would 

 render them impracticable. The fact was demonstrated, 

 however, that bees would accept and occupy combs of 

 foreign material. The practicability of the flat base, as 

 now used in comb-foundations, was here fully established. 

 Combs were also made of very thin sheet-iron, untinned, 

 and were readily occupied, for both honey and brood. 

 The fact that these metallic foundations were not ob- 

 noxious to the bees, was advance proof of the practicabili- 

 ty of incorporating wire in wax foundation as since in- 

 vented, and demonstrated by J. E. Hetherington. 



Another interesting item in these experiments was this. 

 The first comb was made with cells '/, an inch deep. 

 When the brood was sealed over in these cells the caps 



