November 29th, 1865. The experience of last winter with the cobs
was not such as to induce me this season to use any on the sides
or bottoms of the hive. As it now seems to me my long slot
winter passages are more important to safe wintering [crossed out: illegible] than
the mere cobs. diagram] The disposition of bees to come up into the shallow
chamber if they can at all keep warm I notice again this fall. 
Might not some such plan as this answer well. Make a square
about eight inches on top of frames with corn cobs thus, [diagram] then lay over several layers
of corn cobs and old woolen garments. Bees might then lie up in the shallow
chamber in this square. Cob of course all the other top surfaces of
the frames, seeing that every comb has the long winter slot passage. Try also
some hives with honey boards on, the long honey box slots covered with woolen or cobs. 
December 8th. Shall try putting [crossed out: illegible] cobs in a shallow box with bottom slats to hold
them (see D a). Make sides of box to rest on gutters of rabbets [crossed out: illegible] 1/4 inch thick, ends
not so wide by 5/8 inches. 1/2 inch stuff, 4 strips 1/2 inch x 1/8 inch, these when nailed on ends will leave
1/4 inch between them and the top of frames, so as still to leave 3/8 inch shallow chamber. In
this cob box put two rows of cobs as on tops of frames and then over them another
set, over them might be put a piece of old woolen garment. This would keep the
bees warm and yet not damp. This cob cover may be lifted off and on without
crushing bees, makes it easy to examine them at any time, and may thus be kept on
until bees need supers, or until weather is warm. Then these cob covers may be stacked up in some
dry place taking no more room than the cobs and being all ready for use another season. Small strips
may be nailed on the outside of this box all around, making a ledge which will keep all tight and
no air or heat escape except through cobs. (12th) Today put a number of the cob covers on the
hives, two layers of cobs, first layer double cobs of equal length, so as to keep the joining place
away from center. Second layer may be of equal size or unequal from first layer, this will
break joints well, over cobs lay several thicknesses of newspapers, tucked in or fitted closely so as
to prevent escape of heat and draft through the combs. Open joints between cob cover and walls of
hive may be packed with cotton or paper. No doubt this will keep bees warm and if cobs absorb
all the moisture, dry. Bees could be easily fed and supplied with water from a comb laid centrally. If
newspapers answer as well or better than pieces of woolen cloth, as they are moth proof and easily kept clean
and easy to get. (13th) 20 degrees. The hives with cob covers examined this AM by raising one side of cob box could see
bees on the tops of the frames. Thermometer put next to cobs and under paper 44 degrees, above paper 32 degrees, in the open air
24 degrees. Appearances thus far all look well for corn cobs. It is quite easy to examine the bees so as to see whether or
not they come into shallow chamber by slightly raising one side of cover. Quite important to stop up all crevices with
paper, etc. (14th) 3 degrees, cold wind. From a number of examinations I find that the thermometer laid with its face
next to cobs and under paper or under cover to range from 20 to 30 degrees higher than in the open
air. (15th) 1 degree, clear. Hives cobed with papers or woolen over the cobs show always in this cold
spell more than 20 degrees above the range in the open air, the thermometer lying face next
to cobs under paper, etc. Found this A. M. frost in the top cover of the cobed hives showing that
the dampness escapes. Have today folded and pinned to keep in proper shape two double
papers and four single ones to each hive. This keeps them all right and when cob covers are set away will keep
dust out of them. Set them in garret, not in the barn, which is too dusty. (December 1866) Long slots found
wanting, divide comb into two parts, leave too much opening cold in center, so that bees incline
to keep on one side of combs, in spring do not breed for some time on both sides, this keeps
them back, hive ought to be central. Bees also fill up slot, they do not accept it. 