COMB FOUNDATION 
223 
The different methods of cutting foundation for the sections. 
STARTERS VS. PULL SHEETS FOR SECTIONS. 
In the illustrations under Comb Honey, 
showing the supers, only narrow sheets of 
foundation (or starters) are shown in the 
sections. The expert comb-honey producer 
will never be content with a starter. He 
will buy his foundation of such size that 
he can cut it to suit his own individual no¬ 
tions. Some comb-honey producers cut it 
in sheets one-fourth of an inch narrower 
and half an inch shorter than the inside of 
the section. It is then fastened to the top, 
as shown previously, with any one of the 
several styles of foundation-fasteners. 
Others cut the sheets in the shape of a 
letter V; still others use half a sheet. 
But the great majority of producers pre¬ 
fer to use two pieces—a large one secured 
to the top, and a strip about % inch wide 
fastened to the bottom. The larger sheet is 
so cut as to reach within Yg or inch of 
the bottom starter when in place to allow 
for stretching. 
During the subsequent process of draw¬ 
ing out, the bees will make one complete 
.comb, which is fastened to the top and 
bottom. Where only a starter or even one 
large sheet is put into a section, the fin¬ 
ished comb in some instances may be 
fastened only at the top and part way 
down on each side; but when the bottom 
starter is used in connection with a large 
sheet of foundation, there surely will be a 
fastening at the bottom as well as at the 
outer edges. The result is a comb fastened 
to all four sides, one that is neater in its 
general filling, and, in consequence, will 
command a higher price; and last, but not 
least, a section that will stand shipping. A 
nice super of sections with combs not 
fastened at the bottom is liable to arrive at 
destination in bad condition—many of the 
combs broken out; and it is, therefore, 
always advisable to use a bottom starter. 
A few beekeepers advise cutting the 
foundation so it will just neatly fill the 
section on all four sides. A section is then 
slipped over a block a little less than half 
Fig. 1. 
Long sheets of foundation laic! in the box ready to 
cut. (The distance between the saw-cuts de¬ 
termines the size of the starters.) 
Pig. 2. 
Box turned over for cutting. Use sharp thin knife 
wet with soapsuds, and cut on drawing stroke only. 
Pig. 3. 
The box reversed to original position with founda¬ 
tion cut to size ready to take out. 
