252 WAX. 



after a swarm is located, the scales may be found, and will 

 continue to increase as long as they are working it ; the 

 quantity often amounts to a handful or more. It is the 

 best test of comb-making that I can give. Clean oif the 

 board, and look the next morning, you will find the scales 

 in proportion to their progress. Some will be nearly 

 round as at first ; others more or less worked up, and a 

 part like fine saw-dust. 



WATER NECESSARY. 



Whenever bees are engaged in making comb, a supply 

 of water is absolutely necessary. When no pond or 

 stream, is within convenient distance, the apiarian will find 

 it economical to place water within their reach. As the 

 necessity for it always occurs in a busy season, it will save 

 much valuable time. It should be so situated, that the 

 bees may obtain it without danger ; a barrel or pail has 

 sides so steep, that a great many will slip in and drown. 

 A trough made very shallow, with a broad strip around 

 the edge to afford an alighting place, should be provided. 

 It should contain a float, or a few shavings scattered in the 

 water, with a few small stones laid on them to keep them 

 from blowing away. A tin dish, an inch or two in depth, 

 will answer very well. The quantity needed, may be easily 

 ascertained ; — give them just enough, and change it daily. 

 I have no trouble of this kind, as there is a stream of wa- 

 ter within a few rods of my hives ; but I have an oppor- 

 tunity to observe the number engaged in carrying it. 

 Thousands may be seen in June and August filling their 

 sacs, while a continuous stream of bees is on the wing, 

 going and returning. 



CELLS UNIFORM IN SIZE. 



The exact and uniform size of their cells is perhaps as 

 great a mystery as anything pertaining to bees ; yet we 



