See D w. Such an arrangement would enable to set on or lift off the corn
cobs as well or better than if made into a mat, and would probably
be cheaper than to make the mats. On one frame at one side, or perhaps
e D
better still, stood up on one side and held by list bands place the
corn cobs. Keep out one frame on the other side, have fullest honey combs
on the side where corn cobs are, bees would cluster there, leave out on the
bottom next to the side which is not protected by cobs a few cobs say two,
the bees could carry out their dead there, or rather, use one row of cobs thus
and occupy part of the space left with [crossed out: combs] [inserted: cobs] running from front to rear. 
If it was any object both sides might have the corn cobs placed on ends. The
bees can drag out dead bees, etc. where there are no cobs on the bottom and an opening
may be left here permanently or when the weather is suitable for flying. 
September 19th. Let pieces 1 inch [crossed out: 1/2] or more high rest on rabbets, about as wide as the
rabbets, fasten them with nails or dowel pins, frames rest on these also the
front and rear of the small frame for holding the cobs. Be sure and
not have these strips too high, for bottoms of the frames should nearly touch
the cobs. If not quite high enough easy to set thin strips under them. 
October 5th. Today I have brought my plans for corn cobs for wintering bees to
such a state as to please me better. 1st. I dismiss the idea of using them
except for wintering bees. My hives do not need them in the warm weather,
the combs never touching the walls of the hive and abundance of ventilation being
always at command. I can set even unpainted hives in the blazing sun without
any danger of the comb melting. To use straw or cob linings in the warm
weather would also afford good lodging-places for moths and worms. 2nd. I dismiss
the idea of cob mats. [illegible] The bottom of the hive will have a platform of cobs,
one will be left out near the entrance and farthest from where the bees will winter,
or rather a shorter one will be used, say one or two inches shorter, this will
admit but little light and when a lower opening is allowed bees can drag
out dead here. The platform of cobs preventing any bees from getting chilled in
going out or coming in. This may make the upper or winter entrance of no
special importance, the arrangement would favor keeping bees quiet unless the weather
was quite pleasant. The platform would require two tiers of cobs which should be all
cut to a uniform size. (b) Instead of strips to elevate the frames use corn cobs
placed on the rabbets, held in place by [illegible] nails on the narrow edge of the rabbets. 
 (c) For the sides use corn cobs nailed in empty frames. These to be put away
in a dry place in summer. This would give only seven frames of comb for a hive
in winter which would be enough, one frame would need to be left out. [crossed out: illegible]
 (c) For a cover over the frames use a frame with cobs nailed in the same way as for the sides. 
See D e