1 il4- Department of Agriculture 



Large quantities of beeswax are consumed in the manufacture 

 of Avax candles, in the dental profession and in other arts and 

 crafts. 



Beekeepers themselves are becoming extensive users of this pro- 

 duct, and it appears reasonal)le to expect an advance in price with 

 the coming years on account of the increasing demand. 



Beeswax is produced at much expense to the apiarist as it is a 

 well-known fact that the bees consume fr<.)m ten to twenty pounds 

 of honey to secrete one pound of wax. 



The waxen combs of the bee are indeed a wonder. With its 

 God-implanted instinct and without square, level or compass, the 

 bee produces a work that is nearly perfect for the purpose re- 

 quired; namely, for tlie storage of honey and rearing of brood, for 

 the maintenance of the colony. 



The apiarist should carefully gather all fragments of comb and 

 wax that are removed from hives, frames, etc., in apiary work. 

 These may be melted in a solar wax extractor or otherwise. In 

 rendering old combs into wax, if done in quantity, it will probably 

 pay to secure a good wax press, as that is about the only way in 

 which practically all the wax may be secured. 



SHALL THE BEEKEEPER PIv'OJjl'C'E COMB OK EXTEAf'TED IIOXEY ? 



This question must be decided by each individual for himself, 

 depending as it does on the circumstances of the case. 



Some sections are better adapted to the ])roduction of comb 

 honey than others, especially where there is a long, continued tlow 

 of clover or other white honey. Again the apiarist, if following 

 the occupation for recreation, may prefer this for aesthetic reasons 

 since more time and skill is required to produce it, and the result 

 is more artistic and beautiful. 



It has been frequently claimed that comb honey is a luxury — 

 hence the demand is somewhat limited, and consequently the price 

 can not be advanced to any extent. If such be the case, let it take 

 its place beside other hixuries and make the price such that it may 

 be produced at a good profit. The people who purchase luxuries 

 v'ill have them and pav the price whatever it may be. 



Extracted honey while just as hcalthfiil and good as an article 

 of food, can be produced and sold more cheaply and will be pur- 



