252 A Modern Bee-Farm 



are not nicely finished, though there must not be too 

 many incomplete cells. Those that are a little discoloured 

 can be restored as before. Any that cannot come in as 

 second-rate must have their contents extracted and the 

 combs stored for future use ; first making sure that no 

 moisture hangs about them by placing a number over any 

 strong stock towards evening, when the bees will soon 

 clean them. 



The Store Room 



should be perfectly dry, thoroughly ventilated, having a 

 concrete floor, and all so carefully arranged that neither 

 mice, bees, nor other insects can gain admission. (For 

 further particulars see Bee-houses, &c.) 



Preparing lor Market. 



Crates can be made to hold anything from one to three 

 dozen, the latter being mostly required. It is imperative 

 that there be glass on each side parallel with the face of 

 the combs, not only to make the package more attractive, 

 but as the greatest safeguard against rough handling. As 

 an additional protection against friction, the sides and 

 bottoms should be lined with patent corrugated paper, 

 when there will be little fear of breakages. 



Though more expensive, the crate may be placed on a 

 false bottom with coiled springs, of a power necessary to 

 resist the weight that is to be placed above. 



Sections should be enclosed in clean white paper, 

 pasted securely where overlapping, when, if any breakage 

 does occur, the contents of the damaged one will not 

 escape and spoil others. 



The above should be done with each section, whether 

 fancy boxes are used or not, but while the latter additional 

 expense may do if retailed at home, it will certainl)'- not 

 pay at wholesale. I have obtained as much for sections 



