Hi Dennis & all

> http://wind.prohosting.com/tbhguy/bee/vari.htm

The above page has a wonderful statement

"Bees left to themselves construct a nest composed of different
sized cells. The nest is not random or haphazard. It is organized
so that the proper sized cells are available at the right
location."

I think Dennis's attempt failed as the gradations used in the
different strips were too coarse.

When I have used triangles of drone foundation in the corners of
the frames they have resulted in well drawn patches of drone
cells. But I think that success was because the overall pattern
of the foundation in the frame was close to what the bees would
have done for themselves.

I think any attempt to mimic the variable cellsize of natural
brood comb must be based on subtle variations (continuous
variability) in cellsize rather than the strips or regions of
foundation.

But what is wrong with using starter strips?

They are less expensive, are often drawn more quickly than whole
sheets, the bees get to produce wax and do waxwork, combs are
recycled more frequently, the wax is a saleable product in it's
own right... Surely all of these things are desirable and working
in the right direction and the bees are in control of cellsize
and whatever variation they desire.


 Best Regards & 73s, Dave Cushman... G8MZY
Beekeeping & Bee Breeding Website
Email: [log in to unmask] or  [log in to unmask]
http://website.lineone.net/~dave.cushman &
http://www.dave-cushman.net

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