HARVESTING. 443 
the combs are turned over by simply reversing the motion 
of the gear. This invention has not been sufficiently tried 
to be proclaimed decidedly superior; but it appears to have 
some advantages, the main drawbacks being the greater cost 
of the machine andits bulk. Similar extractors were intro- 
duced into England, by Mr. Cowan, several years ago. 
778. The extractor is fastened on a high platform, so 
that the honey pail can be put under the faucet. <A barrel 
is in readiness, with the large funnel and sieve over it. This 
sieve should be large enough to take a pailful of honey, so 
as to cause no delay. 
A mark is made on the barrel, with a crayon, or chalk, 
as each pailful is pouredin. In this way we know when the 
barrel is full, without having to gauge it, and we avoid 
having the honey run over and waste. 
779. We would advise beginners, who extract for the first 
time, to go slowly and carefully. A little care, besides sav- 
ing time, will save the waste of several pounds of honey, and 
make things more comfortable ; for a pound of honey wasted 
goes a great way towards making everything sticky and 
dirty. If a splendid crop and neat work are pleasurable, 
a daubed honey-room and cross bees in the Apiary irritate 
both the Apiarist and his assistants, who soon become sick 
of the work. When things are rightly managed, the work 
is so delightful that more help can be found than is needed. 
780. Of all manipulations, extracting is that which re- 
quires the greatest precautions against robbing (664). 
Carefully avoid all unnecessary exposure of comb or honey. 
Robbers not only annoy the Apiarist, but they cause the 
bees to get angry, and to sting. 
781. All the cases, when extracted, are piled up on the 
oil-cloth carpet, till the day’s work is done. The combs are 
never put back into the hive before evening, at sun down; 
to prevent too much excitement in the Apiary. In half an 
hour, every hand helping, the whole number is distributed 
