IMPRESSED WAX SHEETS. 153 



manner hereafter to be explained, and it was truly 

 astonishing to see the rapidity with which these sheets of 

 wax were worked into comb. Receptacles were quickly 

 made ready for the storing- of honey, and the new combs 

 soon became beautifully white ; for, although the artifi- 

 cial wax has a yellow tinge, yet, after being worked at 

 and made thinner, it is as good in colour as ordinary 

 combs. For supers we cut the wax plates in half, 

 making one serve for two bars. 



We have received from Germany the following direc- 

 tions for the fastening of the artificial plates to the comb- 

 bars. Hereafter will be described a plan which we have 

 adopted, and to which preference is given. 



{Translation.) — " The unstamped edge of the plate- 

 receives incisions half an inch distant from one another, 

 made with a sharp knife, the plate having been a little 

 warmed ; then it is pinched between two equally strong 

 ledges, which have been well moistened. The projecting 

 edge of the plate which received the incisions is alter- 

 nately bent to the right and to the left. The comb-bar 

 is well besmeared vdth artificial sticking wax (a mix- 

 ture of two parts of wax and one part of American 

 resin), and is well warmed at a fire. Afterwards the- 

 besmeared side is laid upon the bent end of the plate, 

 and pressed to it as firmly as possible. A small wooden 

 ledge, besmeared with sticking wax, and fastened by 

 means of pressure to the lower edge of the plate, pre- 

 vents it from bending, which sometimes happens when* 

 the bees work it." 



