140 



FIFTY YEARS AMONG THE BEES 



to cut into it. To avoid this I have tried covering the rule with 

 tin, but do not like it so "well. The rapidity of the stroke is 

 important. If your knife is hot enough you can cut clear down 

 through at one stroke, but that's bad. The edges of the founda- 

 tion will be melted together, and you will ha^e trouble getting 

 them apart. Turn down your lamp, and get it so three or four 

 strokes will be needed. 



* 



^1 . 





.•^" 



Fig. 46 — Sweet Clover, 



Latterly I have given up beating the knife, and like it 

 better. The small blade of a pocket-knife is used, and it is kept 

 very sharp, especially at the point. Three rapid strokes do the 

 business. The rapidity of the strokes is important, but some 

 practice is needed, for with the very quick stroke there is some 

 danger that the knife will cut into the stick. If the wax is 

 warm enough two strokes will do. 



Although this plan takes more strokes, it still saves time for 

 tliere is no heating or changing of knives. It also saves the time 



