384 COMB FOUNDATION. 



677. In 1857, Johannes Mehriug invented a press to make 

 wax wafers, on ■which the rudiments of the cells were printed. 

 Those only, who experienced the obstacles which this industry 

 presents, can form an idea of the energy and perseverance 

 that were required to succeed as he did. 



The foundation made by him then, was far from being equal 

 to what is now made. The projections of the cell-walls were 

 too rudimentary, sometimes not printed, and the bees often 

 built drone-cells instead of worker-cells; but these imperfect 

 efforts were the beginning of an industry which has proved 

 of immense advantage to bee-keepers, and has spread like 

 wild-fire wherever bees are kept. 



Fig. 143. 

 THE LATEST FOUNDATION MILL. 



(A B C of Bee-Culture.) 



678. Another Apiarist, Peter Jacob, of Switzerland, im- 

 proved on the Mehring press, and in 1865, some of hig foun- 

 dation was imported to America, by Mr. H. Steele, of Jersey 

 City {Am. Bee-Journal, Vol. 2, page 221), and tried by Mr. 

 J. L. Hubbard, who reported favorably upon it. In 1861, 

 Mr. Wagner had secured a patent in the United States, for 

 the manufacture of artificial honey comb- foundation by what- 

 ever process made. His i^atent was never put to use, and 

 rather retarded the progress of this industry in America. 



679. The first comb-foundation made in America, was 

 manufactured in 1875, by a German, Mr. F. Weiss, very 



