MANUAL OP THE APIAKr. 



189 



for a distance above. The axle was thus held exactly in the 

 centre of the tub. Attached to the axle was a frame or rack 

 to hold the comb, whose outer face rested against a wire-cloth. 

 The axle with its attached frame, which latter held the 

 uncapped comb, was made to revolve by rapidly unwinding a 

 string, which had been previously wound about the top of the 

 axle, after the style of top-spinning. Replace the wooden 

 tub with one of tin, and the string with gearing, and it will 

 be seen that we have essentially the neat extractor of to-day. 

 As the machine is of foreign invention, it is not covered by a 

 pateiit, and may be made by any one without let or hindrance. 

 A good machine may be bought for eight dollars. 



WHAT STYLE TO BUY. 



The machine should be as light as is consistent with 

 strength. It is best that the can be stationary, and that 



Tig. 68. 



only a light frame be made to revolve with the comb. It is 

 desirable that the machine should run with gearing, not only 

 for ease, but also to insure or allow an even motion, so that 

 we need not throw even drone larvae from the brood-cells. 

 The arrangement for exit of the honey should permit a speedy 

 and perfect shut-off. A molasses gate is excellent to serve 

 for a faucet. I should also prefer that the can hold consid- 



