96 
project proved successful so far that he succeeded in 
getting two colonies safely across the Atlantic, and 
from this dates their introduction into the United States. 
Up to the present, they have gradually gained the 
confidence of apiculturists, and are fast winning public 
favor hy a general introduction amongst the bee-keeping 
community. It is certain they seem to possess a vigor- 
ous and energetic constitution, superior tact for collecting 
honey when the common bee is nearly idle. The queens 
are very prolific and, as a general thing, Italian colonies 
are quite capable of self-protection against invaders. 
One marked characteristic with them is said to be their 
ability to extract honey from the red clover, which, if 
one-half is true, a few Italian colonies and a field of red 
clover would be a “ mint.” I think they need a careful 
and studied investigation before we concede too much. 
There are some delicate points connected with the past 
and future history of this bee that will puzzle the 
“ knowing ones ” of to-day ; but I trust true science 
will in time give us facts instead of theories. In our 
ardor or over-heated zeal let us not crush truth in our 
path, or, “ phoenix ” like, it will reproduce itself from its 
own ashes at a time when least expected. 
HOW TO MAKE HONEY-COMB INTO WAX. 
Directions for Extracting Wax from Combs . — Put 
the comb to be reduced to wax into a bag made of 
coarse strainer cloth, not filling the bag very full, and 
then immerse it in an iron kettle of sufficient size, (for 
no other metal should be used for this purpose,) cover- 
ing it with water. This should he kept two or three 
inches below the surface, which may be done by putting 
a stone or piece of iron in the sack to sink it, occasion- 
