280 COMMERCIAL QUEEN BEARING. 



as it is kept on the same frame as the cell cups and sealed 

 ^% queen-cells. 



''For making the artificial cells, there is needed 

 a dipping-stick (fig. 110) which is a round stick 

 5-16 of an inch in diameter, with a peculiar taper 

 at one end. The tapering part should be about 

 5-16 of an inch long, reduced rapidly for the first 

 % of an inch and then gradually reduced to the 

 end. It would slip into a worker cell % of an inch 

 before filling the mouth of the cell. These dip- 

 ping sticks can be made with a lathe, from any kind 

 of hard wood. To dip the cells, beeswax must be 

 kept just above the melting point by placing the 

 dish containing it over a lighted lamp. Keep a 

 I 1 little water in the dish, as this will be a guide to 



I the temperature. No bubbling should be allowed. 



The stick after being thoroughly soaked in water 

 is dipped rather less than a half inch into the 

 beeswax, four dips usually completing the cell and 

 attaching it to the wooden bar upon which it is 

 supported while in the hive. Dip three times, then 

 loosen up the cup on the stick, then dip again, and 

 immediately press the base of the cell upon the 

 stick at the point where it is desired to have the 

 cell remain." ("Advanced Bee Culture.") 



j5 





To transfer the larva, from worker cells into 

 these artificial queen-cells, Mr. Pridgen gives the 

 lig. 110, following directions : 



DIPPING-STICK. 



"To make a success of this the comb must be old enough so 

 that the outside of the cocoon is black and glossy. By shaving 

 down the cells with a keen edge knife, slightly heated, until 

 the walls of the cell are only about % of an inch deep, it is 

 an easy matter to remove the cocoon with the accompanying 

 larva. In fact, by bending the piece of comb back and forth, 

 the cocoons can often be forced to drop out of their own accord. 

 By making a little funnel shaped cavity in the dipping stick, 

 at the opposite end from that used in dipping the cells, the 

 larva and cocoon can be lifted, by pressing this cavity dowJi 



