376 METHOD OF EXTRACTING HONEY. 



out before the cutting of the combs is commenced. It is 

 impossible to procure honey in its utmost purity, unless 

 the strictest examination be made as to the absence of all 

 noxious matter which may be lodged in the combs, and to 

 which in general so little attention is paid by the cottagers of 

 this country. It must also be observed, that the majority of 

 the keepers of bees act upon a most erroneous system in 

 the cutting of the combs, for they generally cut them in all 

 directions, just as if they intended to make mince meat of 

 them ; whereas a little consideration ought to teach them, 

 that chop and hack as they will, it cannot be expected that 

 they can cut through every cell. The most proper method 

 therefore is to cut the combs horizontally, and twice is per- 

 fectly sufficient ; that is, each layer of cells should be cut 

 through, which will open every cell in them ; but it must be 

 observed, that the middle part ought to be frequently turned, 

 in order to allow the honey to flow from both surfaces of 

 it : nor under those circumstances does any valid objection 

 exist to the combs being also cut transversely, which will, 

 in some measure, expedite the operation, which in cold 

 weather particularly is frequently of a tedious nature. 



Heat is actually necessary to accelerate the flowing of the 

 honey, and the sieve should therefore be placed before the 

 fire ; or if the operation be performed in the summer after 

 deprivation, the sieve may be placed in the sun ; but we pre- 

 fer the heat of the fire, for the sake of expedition. The 

 honey, as it flows into the earthen pan, should be put into 

 the pots in which it is to be preserved, and kept in a place 

 free from all humidity and unpleasant odours. 



The honey thus obtained may be considered as the prime 

 sort, and the second or inferior kind is obtained in the fol- 

 lowing manner : the combs are cut very small, and then 

 pressed between the hands, or with a flat spatula or spoon. 

 It seldom happens in this country that a sufficient quantity 

 is obtained to require the aid of a press, and consequently 



