By another line of battle 1, 1 are 111
7/8 inches [illegible] is a thin strip of wood marked [illegible] to each of them so as to [illegible] 
[illegible]. It is a little narrower than the blocks so that [illegible] 
some may [illegible] against both sides [illegible] such robber guards 
could be used in [illegible] anytime when bees try to Rob, cost a 
trifle, would [illegible] be likely to [illegible] them show a hole on one
of the blocks made larger than 7/8 inches [illegible] play to let queen out 
dead bees etc. 11th 32 to 60 degrees. Bees fly well. A little [illegible] 
pollen brought in. One stock still has eggs. 12th 58 degrees examined 
two other stocks that had the most brood. Eggs in each, and many young bees. 
Zinc [illegible] used to exclude mice, let it be tacked first on one end 
not cover entrances by 3/8 of an inch to [illegible] to be more easily [illegible] 
out, and are then only one [illegible] in form of plenty of 
warm blanketing overhead and fresh air in the bedroom. Think too
many have closed entrances to nuclei. 15th 20 degrees. 16th 18th to 19th 24 degrees to 56 degrees a few 
bees bring white pollen. Opened two hives, brood in two frames, eggs. In half 
of my hives brood and eggs, very few of these late bred bees are lost, and these 
hives have largely increased in bees. If they winter well, very great gain. 
Better plan for mouse guard. Tack zinc over whole entrance. In the 
middle cut out so that dead bees can be dragged out. In very windy cold 
weather contract with blocks. Is not woolen waste over thin burlap about 
the best winter preservation. So easy to remove when examination to be made. 
Is it not cheaper and better than chaff cushion. 18th 48 degrees. Heavy rain last night. 
19th 44 degrees. To fix for winter. Have the [illegible] central space between the 
comb wider than any others, so that more bees may cluster there, 
proper winter passage is made late after feeding or gathering is over. Then 
say corncobs shaved off so that they will be flat. Thus not 
parallel with frame. The two [illegible] keep [illegible] up 
now put on burlap and tuck in on sides so as 
to keep bees down. Now lay on line wool or 
[illegible] woolen waste [illegible] enough for a hive. Now 
you [illegible] a warm clustering place [illegible] centrally 
[illegible] very warm and accessible to bees. The wool like blend etc. 
keep warm to [illegible] off moisture but not allow a current of air, and the 
quality according to the climate, the moisture will condense upon the 



