WAX AND COMB. 203 
movable screens, made of wire-cloth, each with a rim of 
tin about one inch high. To use this, place one of the 
screens, rim downwards, in the bottom of the can, to pre- 
vent the comb from burning. This should be just large 
enough to drop in, and fit loosely. Place the can upon 
the stove, and put in a pailful of water. Now, put in 
the combs and bits of wax, adding more, as they melt, 
until the can is two-thirds 
full. The other screen, 
which should fit the can 
tightly, should now be put 
in. This will keep the 
impurities from rising to 
the surface. By adding 
boiling water, and allow- 
ing all to boil freely, the 
wax will rise above this 
upper screen, where it may 
be dipped off, or a spout 2 
may be constructed near 
the top, and water added 
until the wax runs off. For 
several reasons, I prefer to dipit off. It will be seen that 
this last method obviates the necessity of soiling a kettle 
each time, or of keeping one for the purpose. It also oc- 
cupies less room upon the stove. These extractors may be 
made larger or smaller, to meet the needs of the bee-keeper. 
In moulding wax into cakes, use a deep basin, and 
when cool, if any impurities are found upon the bottom, 
shave them off, and melt this portion again. Combs de- 
signed for this purpose should be cared for often enough, 
to prevent the worms from getting in and spoiling them. 
The extractor is a convenient utensil for holding all bits 
of refuse wax, and fragments of comb. Dippers, pans, 
and other implements used in rendering wax, become 
coated with it, and are not easily cleaned. 
Fig. 81.—aUTHOR’S WAX EXTRACTOR. 
