168 AUSTRALASIAN 
machine by which sheets of wax are pressed into frames already 
wired for the purpose, and at the same time giving the sheets 
the ordinary impressions of the base of the cells. Several 
manufacturers at once commenced making and selling frames 
of wire foundation, but it was soon discovered by purchasers 
that this method of obtaining it was too expensive, as, in 
packing, one fraine of comb would occupy nearly as much 
space as ldlbs. of ordinary foundation, consequently the 
freight on a few sheets of the wired article came very 
heavy. It was also found that many of the sheets broke 
away from the wires in transit through rough handling. The 
method now generally adopted by bee-keepers is to purchase 
the ordinary foundation and wire it themselves. This is by 
far the cheapest and best plan, and the one I would advise 
those who desire to use wired foundation to adopt.” Professor 
Cook says also, “Some, even with the Given press, prefer to 
put the foundation into the wires by hand.” 
The following instructions will enable any one to fix the 
wiring in his frames :- Pierce the top and bottom bars-of the 
WIRING THE FRAMES. 
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Fig. 82.-WIRED FRAME. 
frames, before putting them together, with holes two inches 
apart, commencing a half inch inside the end bar. The holes 
should be exactly along the centre of the bars, the number 
required being nine to each. A small lever press, with a set of 
short steel awls firmly fixed in it, could be made to pierce the 
nine holes at one stroke. The wiring is done after the frames 
are put together, No. 30 tinned wire being best for the purpose. 
When imbedding the wires by hand, fasten one end of the wire 
to a tack driven in near one end of the top bar, and pass the 
other end through the holes (as in figure), fastening it in the 
same manner at the other end of the frame. Care should be 
taken, when tightening the wires, not to draw the frame out 
of the square. 
