“ADVANTAGES. 367 
consists in procuring straight and neat worker-combs to 
replace them ; for if we simply remove the drone-combs, the 
bees often replace them with the same kind (233). 
676. Good straight worker-comb, not too old, isthe most 
valuable capital of the Apiarist (442). For years, be- 
fore the introduction of comb-foundation, we had been 
in the habit of buying all the worker-comb from dead col- 
onies that we could find, but we never had enough. 
The consideration of the above important points, and of 
the great cost of comb to the bees (223), had long ago 
drawn the attention of German Apiarists to the possibility 
of manufacturing the base, or foundation, of the comb. 
677. In 1857, Johannes Mehring invented a press to 
make wax wafers, on which the rudiments of the cells were 
printed. Those only, who experienced the obstacles which 
this industry presents, can form an idea of the energy and 
perseverance that were required to succeed a3 he did. 
The foundation made by him then, was far from being 
equal to what is now made. The projections of the cell- 
walls were too rudimentary, sometimes not printed, and the 
bees often built drone-cells instead of worker-cells; but 
these imperfect efforts were the beginning of an industry 
which has proved of immense advantage to bee-keepers, and 
has spread like wild-fire wherever bees are kept. 
678. Another Apiarist, Peter Jacob, of Switzerland, 
improved on the Mchring press. and in 1865, some of his 
foundation was imported to America, by Mr. H. Steele, of 
Jersey City (Am. Bee-Journal, Vol. 2, page 221), and tried 
by Mr. J. L. Hubbard. who reported favorably upon it. In 
1861, Mr. Wagner had secured a patent in the United 
States, for the manufacture of artificial honey comb-founda- 
tion by whatever process made. His patent was never put 
to use, and rather retarded the progress of this industry in 
America. 
679. The first comb-foundation made in America, was 
