CHAPTER XXI. 



Beeswax^ and its Uses. 

 Melting Wax. 



858. We will now describe the differeut processes used by 

 bee-keepers to render the combs into wax. To melt every 

 comb, or piece of comb, as it is taken from the hive, would 

 increase the work, and, as it is preferable to choose our time 

 for this operation, we have to preserve them from the ravages 

 of the moths (802) by some of the methods that we have 

 given (813). 



859. The cappings (yya) after extracting, are allowed to 

 drain in a warm place for several weeks; very nice honey 

 being obtained from them. They are then washed in hot water, 

 and the sweet water obtained can be used for cider, or wine, 

 or vinegar (856). These cappings, as well as the broken 

 pieces of white comb in which brood was never raised, should 

 be melted apart from the darker combs, for, not only are 

 they easier to melt, but the wax obtained being very bright 

 in color, is unsurpassed for making comb-foundation (674) 

 for surplus boxes. 



860. When the combs are blackened by the dejections of 

 the worker bees (784), or of the drones (40), and by the 

 skins and cocoons of the larvse (167), it is so difficult to 

 render the wax, that many bee-keepers think it is not worth 

 the trouble. We advise washing these combs and keeping 

 them under water for about twenty-four hours. Then the co- 

 coons and other refuse being thoroughly wet and partly dis- 

 solved, will not adhere to the wax. This will be lighter col- 

 ored, if the combs are melted with clear water ' and not with 

 the water already darkened by the washing. 



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