Guide frames. Patterns. see Qu 3
Feb. 14, 1861. The Guide frames described in Vol. 2, did not
answer well. u Seemed to discourage the bees. G
Guide for combs, were too thick, and did not allow them to
keep up their heat. I propose now a new plan. 
Brad on to front and rear of hive pieces 9 1/2 x 3/8 x 1/8 inches (Abandoned
as not so good as Rev. Levi Wheaton's plan)
Feb. 18, 1861. 1, 2, 3, 4 = 1/8 inch thick. 
Improved Wheaton Guide Frame. Nailed between uprights
at AB, CD (two at each end) these uprights are 1/4 x 1/2 inch inside. 
4 comes only to 3/8 inches of bottom of the uprights, 5/8 inch nails used. The
frames to rest or stand on the bottom board and not to have shoulders
to rest on rabbets as Mr. Wheaton's. [illegible] of bottoms are cut slanting
(like line ab) These frames will not interfere with handling of comb frames. 
To make all work right, comb frames 7/8 inches on tops, ends and bottoms. 
9 comb frames 7. 875 This leaves about enough play. To prepare
9 Guide frames 5. 625 hive, at one end on bottom board, 1 inch from
13. 500 front and rear, nail two brads or
nails to project up 3/4 inches. On [crossed out: rabbets] side of hive above rabbets nail
two brads to project from side of hive 1/4 inch. Put in first comb frame
lower nails keep bottom at right distance from end of hive, upper
ones keep top, then put in guide frame, then another comb frame,
etc. When all in, you will see where to put nails on other end of bottom board to
keep them all bound together. Remove a few to put in nails. Top of
last guide frame may be wedged. (March 3rd) The brads on uprights
of comb frame should be on alternate sides, and
so that brad shows on front when frame thus, then
the frames may be exchanged end for end without any interference. 
In the same way uprights of guide frame should be one 8 inches the other
9 1/4 inches, the long uprights to show on front (as brads) there will then
be no possibility of interference with brads of comb frames. 2, 3, 4 should
be 17 3/8 x 1 3/4 x 1/4, 1 should be 17 3/8 x 2 1/8 x 1/8, so as to project 3/8 inches above
the uprights and be on a level with top of comb frames. This will
interfere much with bees extending their combs into shallow chamber. 
By using a little cotton or newspaper no wedging will be needed, no
nails on bottom board, and rabbets of hive, until [crossed out: bees are] combs built. 
(over)