BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 
190 
the frame, while its length and breadth are such that 
the latter freely passes over it. Battens {d, d), 2in. 
longer than the board, are fixed flush with its edges. 
Screws (i-, s) are added, and so regulated that, when 
the frame is passed over the board, the sheet of 
foundation, put into place, may have its upper edge 
lying along the centre of the top bar. The whole 
is taken into the left hand, the board lying over the 
left lower arm. The thumb now grasps the top 
batten, while the fingers embrace the top bar and 
press it into position against the board. The foun- 
dation, which must have its upper edge cut true, is, 
if necessary, pushed against the top bar, and has 
Fig. 52.— Board for Fixing Foundation (Scale, i). 
b, b, Battens ; s, s, Regulating Screws. 
such an inclination given to it that the wax poured 
from the spoon (Fig. 45) or the smelter (Fig. 46) 
may run dowm between it and the wood which is 
to support it, and, in so doing, weld the two firmly 
together. The smelter is now returned to the lamp 
or hot plate and a moment given to the wax to set, 
when, by a turn of the wrist, the board is brought to 
the perpendicular ; the right hand now removing the 
frame, holding it plumb, and placing it in a hive or 
rack. A little practice will enable this operation to 
be performed with great quickness, and, if the plan 
recommended be followed, “breaking down” will be 
unknown. If the wax be too hot, it will melt the 
