45 
To prepare an economic section-crate for use, it is first’ necessary 
to fold the sections (27) required into shape: 
109. Preparing todo this, damp the grooved V-joints, then 
Economie Section- bend three sides inward until they form a 
erate. square with the V-joints closed and lock the 
dove-tails (Fig. 6); this can be done con- 
veniently by folding the section in an empty section-crate (29), 
using the side of the crate to ensure that the section when folded 
is square ; then place three folded “‘ D ”’ sections: (27) in’a row 
across the front end of the section-crate (29), pressing them close 
up to that end of the crate, the unsplit side of each section resting 
on the crate rails. Wedge them in this position by inserting a 
wedge of wood between the front half of one section and the 
crate side, then while standing behind the crate, open the split 
in all three sections by drawing back the back halves of the 
sections with one hand (Fig. 35), then, with the other hand 
insert a 122-inch by 44-inch sheet of section foundation (84) into 
the space thus formed, letting it go well down into the splits ; 
the thickness of the foundation will prevent its being let down 
as far as is necessary, therefore squeeze it by closing the sections, 
after which again draw back the back halves and lower the 
foundation into its proper place, almost to the bottom? of the 
sections, leaving the upper edge of the foundation flush with 
the tops of the sections ; press the halves of the sections tightly 
together. with the follower (29), and if the operation {has 
been neatly performed the foundation will be fixed in correct 
position and free from buckles. Next place a long separator 
(28) in position against this first row of sections,;and place 
and fill the remaining sections in the same way until the 
crate contains twenty-one sections. Then place the follower 
behind the last row of sections, taking care to turn the 
bevelled edge towards them, and wedge it tightly against 
them by inserting two or three springs (29) between it 
and the back of the crate (Fig. 36). The first crate to be put 
on a hive should be covered with a piece of calico or other suitable 
cheap strong material, cut 18 inches by 18 inches, damped, 
and stretched neatly over the sections; over this should be 
placed another cover of woollen material, large enough to fall 
over the sides of the crate; it should be secured by a cord 
passed round the sides and tied firmly. Crates should be covered 
to protect from dust until required for use. Before placing a 
crate on a hive, smear the under sides of the crate including the 
laths with petroleum jelly, to prevent its being propolised and 
thus causing trouble when removed. 
To place a section crate, uncover the hive, remove the lift, place 
5 fe the crate on the lift, remove the quilt, and 
aoe ssh ae Section- + the same time draw the subduing cloth 
eee over the frames (65) (Fig. 21); then with 
a hand on each side of the crate, hold it over and just clear of the 
cloth. While doing so grip the stick of the subduing cloth with 
