FIFTY YKARS AMONG THE BEES 149 



to cut into it. To avoid tliis T have tried covering the rule with 

 tin, but do not like it so well. The rapidity of the stroke is 

 important. If 3'our knife is hot enough you can cut clear 

 down through at one stroke, but that's bad. The edges of the 

 foundation will be melted together, and you will have trouble 

 getting them apart. Turn down your lamp, and get it so three 

 or four strokes will be needed. 



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Fig. 46 — Sweet Clover. 



Latterly I have given up heating the knife, and like it 

 better. The small blade of a pocket-knife is used, and it is kept 

 very sharp, especially at the jioint. Three rapid strokes do the 

 business. The rapidity of the strokes is ii)i]50rtant, liut some 

 practice is needed, for with the very quick strokes there is some 

 danger that the knife will cut into the stock. If the wax is 

 warm enough two strokes will do. 



Although this plan takes more strokes, it still sa\es time 

 for there is no heating or changing of knives. It also saves 



