256 AUSTRALIAN BEE LORE AND BEE CULTURE. 



LOSS OF WAX. 



From Cheshire, 589, vol. II.,, I quote the following: — "Much 

 wax is wasted through failing to note that lime in water unites 

 with the cerotic acid, forming an insoluble lime soap. 

 Wax should never be melted, nor should combs be rendered in any 

 but rain water or distilled water, unless to the water is added an. 

 acid." Vinegar is always procurable, and will answer the pur- 

 pose as well as anything else. Sulphuric acid is preferable. Two* 

 teaspoonfuls of the latter to 1 gallon of water will prevent the 

 formation of lime soap. This soapy material is to be found under- 

 neath the cakes of wax when cooled. If this be removed and 

 treated with acid a good deal of the wax can be recovered. These 

 remarks do not apply where a wax-extractor is used. A solar 

 extractor should be in every apiary. 



As the arts and sciences advance, the uses of wax are always 

 on the increase. It is still a question if that wonderful wax- 

 working insect, Apis dorsata, would not pay to be introduced in 

 this State. 



Abdomen of Wax Worker. 



Showing ventral plates only, six in number, the 

 four central ones show eight wax pockets contain- 

 ing wax scales. The first and last are without 

 said pockets. 



