14 



Bee-Keeping Simplified for the 



To obtain combs of the right width for brood rearing the 

 frames are spaced IJ inches from centre to centre by means 

 of a W.B.C. metal end, Fig. 16, pushed on the projecting 

 end. The frames, division board, and slip of wood are seen 

 in the right position, each metal end touching, Fig. 17. 



IV.— COMB FOUNDATION AND ITS USES. 



Comb foundation is pure beeswax sheeted and impressed 

 with the base of either worker or drone cells. Its use is to 

 get straight combs built in any desired position, and to 



Fig. 13. 



control the rearing of drones. Unless the combs are built 

 in the framework designed for them the frame hive is not a 

 moveable comb one. The brood frames should be fitted with 

 full sheets of worker base foundation. Starters, which are 

 narrow strips of foimdation fastened to the top bar, should be 

 scrupulously avoided, otherwise a large amount of drone 

 comb will be built and a number of useless drones reared. 



To fasten the foundation into the frames it is inserted into 

 a saw cut provided right through the centre of the top bar. 

 This saw cut can be opened easily for the reception of the 

 foundation by driving a couple of headless nails into the 

 bench about ^ an inch apart ; the frame is turned upside 

 down, and placed so that the nails fit into the saw cut in the 

 centre; the frame is then given a twist so that the nails come 

 at right angles to, instead of parallel with the saw cut. Being 

 held open automatically in this manner for its reception both 

 hands are free to deal with the foundation. 



