68 



The Hatch Press. 

 This press is known as the hot-water type, and the method of 

 working is to melt the combs in a separate vessel ; and when all is m a 

 liquid state, dipper it off into the cheese-cloth forming the Immg of 

 the press, fold over, and apply pressure by means of the screw. 



The Root Wax-press. 

 In apiaries of twenty colonies or more this press will be invaluable 

 to the beekeeper in converting combs into commercial wax. The wax- 

 press shown is a very popular one, and is worked by hot water and 

 pressure. The work saved would soon defray the cost and show a 

 profit. The press is also very useful as an uncapping-can and honey- 

 press, and is largely used for the purpose. 



Method of rendering Wax. 

 Choose a cold day for the operation, since nothing excites the bees 

 during the off season Uke the smell of hot wax. 



Commencing opera- 



FiG. 50. — ^The Hatch Wax-press. 



■The Root Wax-pres.s. 



tions, fill the copper half-full of water, and when this is heated place 

 the combs — which must have been removed from the frames — in the 

 hot water. Have a strong stand ready to support the wax-press, and 

 inside this place a kerosene-heater, so arranging it that the flame comes 

 in direct contact with the bottom of the press. Fill the water- 

 compartment of the press with boiling water, which the heater will 

 now keep boiling, and in the perforated basket of the press place a 

 coarse scrim bag large enough to reach to the bottom of the basket. 

 The combs in the copper should be stirred with a stick until the wax 

 is all melted, and the contents of the copper — water and wax — should 

 then be ladled into the scrim bag in the press. The top of the bag 

 should now be folded, so as to allow of one or more of the wooden 

 " followers " belonging to the press to be placed on top of it, and the 

 screw placed in position, when a stream of water and wax will 



