ARTIFICIAL AIDS TO COMB-BUILDING. 
189 
in parts of others ; but if we reduce these hexagons 
sufficiently, without altering their relative positions and 
distances from centre to centre, as at C, we may draw 
lines a b and c d, and so separate the hexagons with- 
out breaking into the outline of neighbouring ones. 
Mr. Pelham, perceiving this, so widens his cell wall that 
these dividing lines can be drawn as we have them 
in the figure. The resulting hexagons, in one file 
only, have their matrix prepared on the edges of 
rings, of which the side view of one is seen at E. 
When they are fitted together, the centre of each 
hexagon is necessarily in line with the space between 
two in the ring adjacent on each side, as at F. The 
rhomboidal form of base is not adhered to, the cell 
being merely furrowed down the middle, as at D, 
in obedience to the wedge-like form given to each 
die, well seen at the edge of the ring [rl') ; nor 
are the impressing dies set radially (E), the latter 
innovation aiding them in clearing the deep impres- 
sions made. Excellent as this form of foundation 
is- admitted to be, I have noticed in it occasion- 
ally, and in some others — notably the English flat- 
bottomed — frequently, that the cells of the two 
sides are not properly superposed. This defect is 
visible immediately if the foundation be held up to 
the light. When it occurs, the building-out is often 
confused, with some small, useless cells, and others 
of drone size. 
There are many methods of fixing foundation, that 
by molten wax being the most usual, while it is 
applicable to every form of frame. I employ a 
board (Fig. 52) rather thicker than half the width of 
