STRAINING HONEY. 
857 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
STRAINING HONEY AND WAX. 
When about to remove the contents of a hive, I 
have never found it necessary to use all the precau- 
tions often recommended to prevent the access of bees. 
I have seen it stated that a room in which there was a 
chimney open, would be unsuitable, as the bees would 
scent the honey, and thus find their way down into 
the room. I never was thus troubled by their per- 
pendicular travelling. It is true, if the day was warm, 
and a door or window was standing open, the bees 
would find their way in during a scarcity of honey. 
But with doors and windows closed no difficulty need 
be apprehended. 
METHODS OF REMOVING COMBS FROM THE HIVE. 
The most convenient way to remove combs from 
the hive is to take off one of its sides, but this is apt 
to split the boards, if it was properly nailed, and injure 
it for subsequent use. With tools such as have been 
described, it may be done very nicely, and leave the 
hive whole. The chisel should have the bevel all on 
one side, like those used by carpenters. When you 
commence, turn the flat side next the board of the 
hive, and the bevel crowded by the combs will follow 
it close the whole length ; with the other tool they 
are cut across the top, and readily lifted out. If pre- 
ferred, they may be cut across near the centre and 
take out half a sheet at a time; this is sometimes 
necessary on account of the cross-sticks. 
