whose young queen two weeks ago was laying freely has no eggs or brood. Shall
feed for a few days to see whether the queen will lay again. Shall try
tomorrow rye flour to see whether the bees care for it in the fall. 
To test queens late in the fall. Colony should be fed. When bees do
not well receive a queen, put large cage over her on the comb so
as not to have her stung in taking her away. In a hive with three
stories found queen in the upper no brood. In one with two stories
must be on the honey above. Bees in a hive with corncob platform
were this cold AM, resting on the cobs. (15th) 44 to 60 degrees. Cloudy, raw, most
of the day. At noon sun came out warm and drones flew. To keep apron board
in place, drive a stout nail into its edge which nail rest upon
the alighting board. (G. T. L.) To have combs emptied which will not go into
the hive when corn cobs are put in for winter, lay them on top of the frames propping
them up with short pieces of corn cobs so that they do not touch tops of frames or each other. The
bees will not then fasten them so as to disfigure them when removed. Adjustable distances
between frames important in uniting stocks, giving frames of honey, etc. for winter, 1/8 inch or even
less may make the difference between the combs fitting nicely or needing to be trimmed. Today
have put up a number of stocks for winter in hives fitted up with corn cobs on bottoms and
both sides. The more I see of this plan the more I am inclined to believe that it inaugurates as
great an improvement in wintering bees in movable comb hives in cold climates, as [crossed out: illegible]
movable frames did in handling them. (16th) 30 to 52 degrees. Heavy frost, cold wind, but
beautiful day, drones flew considerably. (17th) 34 to 58 degrees. Slight frost, splendid
day, drones flew, very lively. Fixed with the cobs a number more of my stocks. 
The sponge for closing queen cage makes it warmer for bees to cluster upon in cold nights
when cage is put between frames and top comes up a little. When bees added on their
comb to another stock seldom are killed. Does not this prove that bees distinguish
strangers by their actions rather than by smell. These added bees not knowing that they
have been put in a strong hive act as though they belonged there and are therefore
treated as though they did. This accords with my experience in uniting stocks last
season, and if a generally reliable principle of great importance. Easy when it seems
to fail by severe rapping or jarring of hive to make all equally frightened. (18th) 38 to 52 degrees. 
Slight frost, chilly wind, drones out not so much as yesterday. Used queen cage to secure
two queens not well received, answers perfectly. Objection that bee dress causes too rough
handling of bees not valid where hands are left exposed. Found easily spermatheca
of a wasp. Young queens in cold weather not near so liable to gut queen cells, not
so free a motion over the combs, bees too densely clustered. Breeding begun quite freely by
feeding in a colony where it had been entirely suspended. Have not yet lost any bees added to
other colonies. (19th) 30 to 50 degrees. Heavy frost. For more particular observations on the corn cob plan see
Journal De. Raw, windy, cloudy, not a drone stirring. Stringent Fall Union of stocks
essential to success in regions where surplus honey is not secured late in the season. 
Thirteen frame hives all have strong families this fall. Straw lining, see