BEE MANUAL. 



161 



tried, but they have all failed. The nearer it approaches 

 nature in the size and shape of the cells the better. The 

 cells should have a thin base, with high and soft rudiments of 

 the side walls. I have hitherto advised the use of foundation 

 running about six square feet to the pound ; but I now think, 

 after further experience, that for brood and extracting combs, 

 where wire is not used, a little heavier, say five square feet to 

 the pound, is better. The lighter kind will do where wire is 

 used. 



COMB-FOUNDATION MACHINES. 



There are two methods for impressing the wax sheets — one 

 by passing them between engraved rollers, as shown in Fig. 

 75 ; the second by heavy pressure between flat plates in a 



Fig. 75.-A. I. ROOT'S Win. ROLLER MACHINE. 



machine like a small hand printing press. There are many 

 who prefer the pressed to the rolled foundation ; but after 

 making both kinds, I cannot see any superiority in either. Of 

 the roller machines there are five different sorts made, known 

 as the Eoot, the Dunham, the Vandervort, the Pelham, and 

 the Van Deusen machines. The first four make the natural 

 based foundation, while the last impresses the sheet with a 

 flat-bottomed cell. This latter also has its admirers. 



M 



