20 
The extractor (Fig. 15) is a machine by which honey may be 
removed from the comb by centrifugal 
49. The Extractor. action, after which the empty comb may 
be returned to the hive to be refilled (124). 
There are a number of different patterns of extractors on the 
market, all constructed more or less on the same principle, 
but varying considerably in price. The extractors illustrated 
in Fig. 15 are the ‘“‘ Marvel,”’ costing, with gearing and covers, 
23s. ; and the improved “‘ Cowan,”’ costing 50s.; both made by 
W. P. Meadows, Syston, near Leicester. Each of these extractors 
is fitted with two movable open-meshed wire cages, each cage 
capable of holding one frame or six one-pound sections of honey ; 
the cages are held in a revolving iron frame attached to a central 
spindle worked by a handle operating cogged gearing. The 
‘“* Marvel ”’ extractor is smaller, lighter, and of cheaper construc- 
tion throughout than the “‘ Cowan.” The “Cowan” machine 
is fitted with reversible swing cages, which enables the operator 
to extract from each side of a frame without removing the 
frame from the cage as is necessary when using the ‘“ Marvel.” 
Each machine can be readily taken to pieces for cleaning. 
The ripener (E, Fig. 15) is a tinned iron cylinder fitted 
with a treacle tap at the base. Its use is 
50. Ripener. to hold extracted honey while ripening 
(124). Unripe honey being lighter than 
ripe honey, the latter gradually settles below the former and 
can be drawn off by the tap. 
The Strainer (F, Fig. 15) is a tin vessel constructed to fit on the 
top of the ripener, and to which a piece of 
51. Strainer. canvas, jute, or other suitable material 
may be attached, for the purpose of strain- 
ing the honey as it passes from the extractor to the ripener. 
Strainers are made in different patterns at varying prices. The 
type shown in F, Fig. 15 will be found suitable. 
The uncapping-knife is used for uncapping combs in frames or 
sections prior to extracting. The pattern 
52. Uncapping-knife. illustrated (G, Fig. 15) is called the 
‘“w. B. C.” knife; it is slightly curved. 
A large table knife may be used for uncapping, but it is not 
at all so suitable as a special uncapping-knife. 
The frame-box should be made of wood, large enough to hold at 
least twelve frames, and with a close- 
58. Frame-box for fitting lid, and rails on which the 
carrying Frames f0F frames may be suspended. Handles should 
Beirne: be fitted at each end for carrying the box, 
and it should be remembered that twelve frames well filled with 
honey for extracting will weigh about 60 to 70 lbs. A box of 
the following internal dimensions would be suitable :—25 inches. 
long, 174 inches broad, 84 inches deep; a rail 25 inches by 14 
inches by 3 inch to be nailed to each side of the box, at 8-inch 
