312 
Beekeeping 
is decidedly preferable to use full sheets to insure uniformity 
of comb. The sheet is fastened to the top of the section, is 
slightly narrower than the inside of the section so that it 
can swing freely and extends to within f to | inch of the 
bottom. To secure better attachment of the comb to the 
bottom, it is becoming more commonly practiced to put 
a f inch strip of foundation at the bottom and then make 
the top piece of foundation long enough to extend to within 
f to \ inch of the bottom starter. The 
desirability of using the bottom starter 
is somewhat determined by the character 
of the flow. 
The pieces of foundation are usually 
fastened in place by a machine in which 
a heated metal plate is brought near or 
in contact with the wood at the point 
where the foundation is to be attached 
and the foundation is brought against 
it. The heated plate is then promptly 
removed and the melted wax fastens 
the foundation to the wood. Grooved 
sections which fasten a full sheet of 
foundation in place as they are folded 
are sometimes used (Fig. 132) while 
some beekeepers (especially in Europe) 
„ . prefer a section split on top and sides 
Fig. 135. — Section ; . . , ,. - , 
f 0 id er . in which the loundation is continuous 
through a row of sections. 
The work of folding the sections, putting in foundation 
and placing them in supers should be done in advance of 
the honey-flow and this should usually be the winter em¬ 
ployment of the comb-honey producer. Enough should 
be prepared to care for the maximum crop, for the bee¬ 
keeper has no time for this work when the rush is on. Three 
supers for each colony should be the minimum number. 
The prepared supers should be carefully protected from 
dust. 
