BEES, BlOE-lUVliS, AND BEE CULTUKE. 71 



not always obtainable. When a sheet or a strip of this impressed 

 wax IS properly fixed to the comb bar, it is certain to be the guide 

 and foundation of a straight comb. This invention has been derived 

 from Germany, wiiere it has been adopted many years with success. 

 At the International Exhibition of 18ii3, we purchased the metal 

 plates or castings, so as to manufacture tlie impressed sheets with 

 wliich we are now able to supply our customers ; and, after the 

 careful trials we have made, we have great confidence in recom- 

 mending them. 



In the season of 1S63 we furnished a Woodbury glass super 

 with the wax sheets fixed to the bars, in the manner hereafter to 

 be explained, and it was truly astonishing to see the rapidity with 

 which these sheets of was 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 artificial 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 halt^ 

 making one serve for two bars. 



We have received from Germany the following directions 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 tbe plate which received the incisions is alternately bent to 

 the right and to the left. The comb bars are well besmeared with 

 artificial sticking wax (a mixture ot two parts of wax and one part 

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

 besmeared side is laid upon tbe bent end of the plate, and pressed 

 to it as fiirmly as possible. A small wooden ledge, besmeared with 

 sticking wax and fastened by means of pressure to the lower edge of 

 the plate, prevents it from bending, which sometimes happens when 

 the bees work it." 



To carry out the directions here given, it is necessary to warm 

 the besmeared comb-bar at a fire ; the wax plate has also to be 

 warmed. Having tried this plan, and found inconvenience attending 

 it, especially from the wax curling with the heat and the difficulty 



