The term seems to pre-date the invention of frames, and refers to the comb. I was just wondering if anyone else had heard it used.

> REV. L. L. LANGSTROTH, of Philadelphia, has recently secured a patent for a new bee hive, which allows the removal and return of any card of honey without disturbing the rest. It consists of a plain box, with frames, to which the bees attach the comb; and if the practical results answer to the theory involved, it cannot fail to work an entire revolution in the art of bee keeping.—WISCONSIN FARMER,  AND  NORTH WESTERN CULTIVATOR.  Vol. IX.  No. 2.  MADISON, FEBRUARY, 1857. 

Here is an older use of the term:

U.S. A flat rectangular slab of a baked confection (esp. gingerbread), cut or broken into pieces for eating. Now rare.

1821. " I'll read the Invoice. Three wool hats—One case of family medicines..—four and a half cards of ginger-bread. " A. Wetmore, Pedlar  ii. iv. 17

1853. He distributed..a plug of tobacco there, or a card of town gingerbread to the little snow-balls.J. G. Baldwin, Flush Times of Alabama & Mississippi

1894. Call at Peadon's and get a five or ten cent card of biscuit, we have them warm every day at 8 o'clock. Marion (Ohio)  Daily Star 24 November 13/3 (advertisement)  

Asst. Prof. Pete

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html