92 MONEY IN BEES IN AUSTRALASIA 



of the bottom i/4 of an incli to allow for stretching. When 

 using a full sheet of foundation the advice to fold the 

 section square will be appreciated. The two starters, one 

 top and bottom are easily best, providing the lower starter 

 is not more than % of an inch high ; if too high it will fall 

 over. The advantages of this style are: no bulging of 

 the foundation should it stretch unduly and it ensures all 

 worker cells. 



Two starters are easier to fix than one full sheet. The 

 bottom starter secures attachment to the wood, and this, 

 of course, makes the combs better fitted for transpor- 

 tation. When only narrow strips are used at the top 

 the bees will often finish out the comb by building it 

 drone pattern, and this is something to be avoided in 

 producing a first-class article, Where top and bottom 

 starters are used, the risk of having drone-comb is 

 reduced to a minimum. Compared with the full sheet 

 there is a slight saving of foundation. 



WORKING FOR COMB-HONEY. 



FIXING FOUNDATION. 



To get the foundation fixed into the section is the 

 next work. For a small number, secure a pivoted wooden 

 block fitting easily in the inside of the section. The face 

 of the block should come a fraction less than half-way 

 through the box. The top of the block should stand at 

 an angle of about 40 degrees from the operator. Lay the 

 section over the block- and drop in the strip of foundation. 

 With a spoon or wax-smelter pour a small quantity of 

 hot beeswax along the edge of the foundation, thus 

 cementing it firmly in the centre of the box. Reverse the 

 block and repeat the process with the second strip. 



Where the production of comb-honey runs into tons 

 the above plan is altogether inadequate. Extensive 

 producers use a machine that folds the section and 

 fastens two starters in one operation. It is a very 



