A YKAK AMONG THE BEES. 45 
To use the Clark fastener successfully, the foundation 
must be warm ; the edge to be fastened quite warm arid soft. 
Common flat-irons were at first used, but they cool too rapidly 
Common bricks are good, but they break with the heat very 
soon. So I use two fire-bricks, one to be heating while the 
other is in use. One of these was broken, but I tied it up 
with wire, and it is just as good as ever. Having a brick 
heated, take it out of the fire with a pair of claw-tongs, aud 
put in the other brick. Place the hot brick at a convenient 
distance in front of you, as you sit before the fastener, and 
lay the pile of starters between you and the brick. The edges 
of the foundation next to the brick must be laid even, and 
when the brick is first taken from the fire see that the pile of 
starters is not laid close enough to it to melt. If the founda- 
tion seems to be getting too soft (although it can hardly be 
too soft if it does not melt), move it back a little. As the 
brick gradually cools off, move the foundation closer to it. 
Prom 25 to 40 starters should be in the pile at first ; enough 
to reach to the top of the brick, and when only 5 or 10 are 
left, a fresh pile should be put under, as it takes some time 
for them to warm up. 
Putting the section in place, lay the foundation so that the 
presser will press a very small edge ; in fact, I think the less 
bite you take the better. With a quick motion of the feet, 
let the presser strike the foundation, letting the feet fly back 
instantly. As you lift the section and turn it upright, the 
weight of a starter of good size will of itself bring the 
foundation to a vertical position, although I notice that 
Emma helps the starter to its place in the act of taking up, 
by deftly touching with the fingers of both hands, as she 
turns over the section. By no means follow the instructions 
usually given, to “draw one side of the section forward a 
little,” “ as the presser sinks the foundation into the wood.” 
I think I would rather use the Parker fastener if obliged to 
follow such instructions. It would make the work slower 
and more laborious. 
