B u
Buckwheat. It seems now to be very generally admitted among scientific
agriculturists that this is one of the most profitable crops and that
it is not as has been supposed such an exhausting crop. Although the honey is not of the first quality
for table use, still it is often gathered in such large quantities as to be of inestimable advantage
to the bees. Late swarms which without this would not have gathered enough to
winter them, will often fill their hives in a fortnight if the weather is favorable. 
Unfortunately in some seasons from drought or other causes it will be almost worthless for the
bees. Hives which admit of easy transportation may be carried where the bees can have access
to buckwheat and thus flourish, when if they had remained at home they might perish unless
fed. Every apiarian should do all in his power to encourage the cultivation of buckwheat. 
May 19th 1868
Bottom Board. How to clean in cold weather. Have felt increasingly the
importance of being able to clean bottom board of dead bees in the spring, without
opening hives. This requires good weather, a slow operation, in a large apiary must
be left with many stocks too long. Movable drop bottom board, as used in my first patent
does it admirably, too expensive, too difficult to make so perfect as not to warp
and let out bees. Difficult to transport bees in, etc. Last week devised a plan which meets
all requirements. Make bottom board as in present style of hive, in my own apiary with
sides rabbeted, on rabbets lay for winter strips 1/2 inch thick. Lay strips between them
front and rear to raise frames up 1/3 inch higher from [crossed out: honey] bottom board. Inside of ventilator
put woolen rags, close up against [inserted: illegible] bottom of frames so that bees can easily pass up
and down. A simple roll or bundle might be pushed under frames, so as to be
easily removed. By opening or if desirable removing back ventilator admirable access
get to bottom board, blow smoke to keep bees up, and with stock or scraper remove in a few
moments all dead bees, etc. If hive doubled, have back doubling in two pieces so
that lower piece (about as wide as ventilator) can be easily taken out, like back shutter over
glass when used in back. Hive bees at back ventilator so that they will enter more
freely and will not stop in portico. June 17th. The doubling back in two pieces,
cut on a strong slant, two movable nails or pins will hold it in place. Strips
7/8 x 1 inch resting on the pieces against which front and rear inside doubling
pieces are nailed, will stay in place, and form just the proper supports
to raise up the frames for winter. A corn cob may be put under