Qu (11) To ship or Mail bees. April 16th 1868
Examined today a small box with candy, wet sponge, piece of comb, and about a
Dozen bees, they have been confined more than a week, [illegible] about in
Packet, taped like ball in air etc. Just given out, only one alive, candy
Well gnawed, water gone, sponge dry, just as I supposed to keep water 
For them to [illegible] candy the difficult thing. My mind today being in
The [illegible] mood, At once one seeing them, thought of confining water 
In cells of old comb, dipping them in melted wax to get a thin
[illegible] and water light covering over them. Then of using my thin pieces
For wax comb foundations, softening like a plaster, sticking on. Find this
Last successfully, but with slick dipped in melted wax fastened on 
Taught the wax all around edges. Made a few holes in it, to let bees
See what it contained. If thin honey or syrup used, put in old comb . 
Might dispense with candy, or [illegible] both. Evident that the same
Arrangement secures water for shipping bees, importing Queens. This
Will enable us to get bees from any part of known world. Easy to make
Wax in shape of frames, if you [illegible] about as thick as comb. It can 
Have holes made in it while soft on each side, larger than drone cells in
Diameter. Fill one side with good honey or sugar syrup not too thin. 
Let thin wax foundation plate be warmed, or have hello [illegible] with
Melted wax rolled over it, so that it will stick like the cream plaster,
Do the same to the other side. Make a few holes to let bees know. Their
May be used and no comms at all. Make all light around edges with 
Melted wax, make wax [illegible] to be firm in frames by melted wax. 
Use then only old combs that cannot melt for bees to cluster in. 
Great idea [illegible] honey tight to hold water or liquid food, [illegible] with
Thin works to be gnawed open by these. Solid wood frame might be used, holes 
Coated with varnish, wax, etc. (17th) use mold to get holes larger than drone cells
On both sides of wax cakes made to fit frame, holes need not be too close 



