Peter writes:
The use of "large cell foundation" was actually a reaction
against the use of unnaturally small cells, an idea which
predated the larger cells

Reply:
Yes, and going too small can be detrimental too Peter. You
are so right here, for it would make it hard to extract the
thicker honeys, especially here in our thick desert honey
area of S. Arizona on the Upper Sonoran Desert with 12 - 13
% moisture honeys.

That's why we had to read very carefully these old words
which we have referenced many times to others, for we are
commercial beekeepers. You don't want to shoot yourself in
the foot. It's also why we regressed down in steps
following the bees needs, to only where problems stopped
with both mites and secondary infections so we could go
back to working them. 8 years the first time, and now 10
years (a decade) the second time and without all the
various treatments others are told to use.

You know Peter, we ended up in the center of the naturally
occurring sizing spectrum with 4.9mm and not the bottom.
Perhaps only going half way down is better. For if the bees
then want to go smaller, they can using this foundation
(nothing stopping them resizing it a size smaller), or if
the bees then want to go slightly larger they can also,
depending upon their needs.

Glad you pointed Prof Baudoux out, for one certainly
doesn't want to go too small either......just do what works
and be happy.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dee A. Lusby
Small Cell Commercial Beekeeper
Moyza, Arizona
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/organicbeekeepers/ 


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