STRAINING HONEY ANX) WAX. 283 



desired shape. As the sediment settles to the bottom of 

 the wax, when melted, a portion may he dipped off nearly- 

 pure without straining. 



By adding an acid to the water in which the wax is 

 melted, it may be separated much more readily. A quart 

 of vinegar to a gallon of water, or a small spoonful of 

 nitric acid is sufficient. There may be a little less labor, 

 where it is available, in using a heavy press like one made 

 for cheese, with a hoop made of slats an inch wide and 

 one-fourth inch apart, firmly bound. The bag with 

 melted comb is put into this, and throughly pressed, 

 while boUing hot. 



Wax may be bleached in the sun, in a short time, in 

 cool weather, but it must be in very thin flakes. It is 

 readily obtained in this shape by dipping a thin board or 

 shingle, thoroughly wet, into pure melted wax ; enough 

 wUl adhere to make it the desired thickness, and will cool 

 instantly on being withdrawn. Draw a knife along the 

 edges, and it will readily cleave off. Exposed to the sun 

 in a window or on the snow, it will become perfectly 

 white, when it can be made into cakes for market, where 

 it commands a much higher price than the yellow. 



I presume there are chemical processes by which this 

 result is obtaiaed, but I am not familiar with them. 



