 (I i) Impregnation of Queen - See the other side of this sheet -
desiring to mate - that have been confined for some days - or better let the
nuclei be perfectly accustomed to the place - keep on queen includer
until it is desired to have queen meet drones - then shut windows
or linen curtain - so as to have queen and drone on the wing together. 
0tis Cary (See Bee Journal, vol. 1) experiment shows that they will mate near
the hive - If a regular course of opening and shutting windows or raising and
lowering curtain be practiced - [illegible] and drones will soon become so much
accustomed to the obstruction as not to be too greatly disconcerted by it
This plan properly developed seems to me the most feasible of any yet suggested. 
A large number of nuclei might easily be kept in a suitable room - and so
disposed at different heights and positions nuclei boxes of different colors etc. - If a
plan of this kind could be made to succeed how much might be gained. 
Partitions for doubling for Winter - bees need the space for work - this no doubt
the simplest and cheapest plan - corner posts to which these partitions are nailed
about 1 1/2 x 7/8 inches - partitions 3/8 inches or inch boards ripped. March 11th. Wm. Hill, Dr. 
Hamlin double sides of hive from the outside by fastening strips to legs of hive and side
ledges and filling in with straw, etc. , the air space thus obtained - This an excellent idea
and used in connection with inside plan would be all the better - 12th - To protect
the bottom board - In preparing hives for wintering bees, place upon the bottom board
 (under it on outside) straw and keep it in place in any suitable way - Would prepare
this only in the very coldest climates - In very cold dry latitudes like Minnesota - the
straw might be filled up under hive as supported by legs - or the sideboards fastened
[illegible] outside air space might extend to bottom of legs - Fill in under hive - set
board back of hive - and with apron or alighting board straw under hive is well protected
Or - let boards fastened to legs extend say two inches only below legs - and project behind
so as with another board fastened to those [crossed out: illegible] ends you enclose also the rear
of the hive - Fill between rear and this board with straw etc. - In the space below
level of bottom board - pack straw which can now be easily secured in place - and
yet not come to the ground to be wet etc. - If desirable the portico may be enclosed the same
way - a small strip being laid upon the alighting board kept high enough by [crossed out: illegible] tacks etc. 
to allow bees to pass under whole length of entrance and yet exclude mice -
such an arrangement if not for the free escape of moisture above will make a hive very damp
With such an arrangement bees could be wintered well without too great consumption
of stores anywhere in our country - and at much less expense than in any special
winter depositories - Would there be any special objection to having the straw on
sides and below all summer? Easy to set side boards forward for rear boxes