IMPLEMENTS. 
55 
the outlines of bees' cells cut on it was then pressed against this wax 
so as to form a guide whieh should lead the bees to build their combs 
within the frames. This was only a comb guide, but was succeeded by 
small strips of wax having the outlines of bees 1 cells pressed on them 
by hand, a block of wood being engraved for this purpose. The gen- 
eral use of comb foundation, especially of the full sheets, was only 
made possible through the improved means of manufacturing it devel- 
oped in the United States. The slow process of hand stamping was 
succeeded by its rapid production on machines, the essential feature of 
which is two engraved cylinders 
between which the warm sheet of 
wax is made to pass (fig. 43). Such 
machines are now made in numer- 
ous patterns costing from $15 up. 
Foundation is made with flat-bot- 
tomed cells and also with the same 
form as that given by the bees to 
combs constructed wholly by them- 
selves. Both sorts are readily 
accepted by the bees and built out. 
Both these kinds are also made in 
various qualities and weights. Only 
a good quality of perfectly pure 
beeswax should be accepted. Brood 
foundation is made in light, medium, 
and heavy weights. For use in sec- 
tion "boxes thin surplus and extra thin surplus are made of light-colored 
wax. When full sheets are used in sections it is better to have it extra 
thin lest there should be a noticeable toughness of the midrib, technically 
known as "fishbone." For unwired frames the medium or heavy brood- 
comb foundation should be employed. 
Until used it is best to keep comb foundation between sheets of paper 
and well wrapped, since if long exposed to the air the surface of the 
wax hardens somewhat, but if well packed it may be used years after 
it was made with almost the same advantage as when first rolled out. 
It requires considerable skill to make foundation successfully, and 
those who use but a small amount will do better to purchase their supply. 
The high quality of nearly all of the foundation thus far supplied in this 
country has also justified this plan. Should the practice of adulter- 
ating wax become as common among comb-tbnndation manufacturers 
in this country as on the continent of Europe no doubt many more 
would procure machines and make their own foundation. 
-~TB 
Fig. 43. 
-Comb-foundation machine. 
Langstroth.) 
