By this invention, all the wax, even of the oldest combs, can be secured, in beautiful condition, and as it is perfectly neat, there is no danger of provoking the "best woman in the world," as we are in danger of doing by use of either of the above methods—for what is more untidy and perplexing than to have wax boil over on the stove, and perhaps get on to the floor, and be generally scattered about.
All pieces of comb should be put into a close box, and if any larvæ are in it, the comb should be melted so frequently that it would not smell badly. By taking pains, both in collecting and melting, the apiarist will be surprised at the close of the season, as he views his numerous and beautiful cakes of comb, and rejoice as bethinks how little trouble it has all cost.
CHAPTER XV.
MARKETING HONEY.
No subject merits more attention by the apiarist than that of marketing honey. There is no question but that the supply is going to continually increase, hence, to sustain the price we must stimulate the demand, and by doing this we shall not only supply the people with a food element which is necessary to health, but we shall also supersede in part the commercial syrups, which are so adulterated as not only to be crowded with filth the most revolting, but are often even teeming with poison. (Report of Michigan Board of Health for 1874, pp. 75-79.) To bring, then, to our neighbor's table the pure, wholesome, delicious nectar, right from the hive, is philanthropy, whether he realizes it or not.
Nor is it difficult to stimulate the demand. I have given special attention to this topic for the last few years, and am free to say, that not a tithe of the honey is consumed in our country that might and should be.
HOW TO INVIGORATE THE MARKETS.
First. See that no honey goes to market from your apiary that is not in the most inviting form possible. Grade all the honey thoroughly, and expect prices to correspond with the grade. See that every package and vessel is not only attractive, but so arranged as not to make the dealer any trouble or cause him any vexation. One leaky can or crate may do great injury.
Second. See that every grocer in your vicinity has honey constantly on hand. Do all you can to build up a home market. The advice to sell to only one or two dealers is wrong and pernicious. Whether we are to buy or sell, we shall find almost always that it will be most satisfactory to deal with men whom we know, and who are close at hand. Only when you outgrow your home market should you ship to distant places. This course will limit the supply in the large cities, and thus raise the prices in the great marts, whose prices fix those in the country. Be sure to keep honey constantly in the markets.
Third. Insist that each grocer makes the honey very conspicuous. If necessary, supply large, fine labels, with your own name almost as prominent as is that of the article.