208 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



suitable gas-mask filter for the removal of solid particles was evolved 

 and tested. Experiments were conducted also on various phases of 

 gas offense. 



The threatened shortage of wood pitch for filling the scams of 

 wooden vessels led to experiments with various kinds of mineral 

 pitches, and an experimental deck is noM'^ undergoing exposure tests. 

 Several of the mineral pitches seem to be satisfactory. 



The readjustment of the laboratory's Avork to a peace-time basis 

 has included: 



(1) The adaptation and application of the data and information 

 obtained during the war to the Nation's industries on a normal peace- 

 time basis, 



(2) Analj'sis of special reconstruction problems and the extent 

 to which the laboratory could be of assistance in solving them. 



(3) Consideration of prewar projects and the advisability of re- 

 suming them or of starting new researches which appeared of greater 

 importance from a broad reconstruction standpoint. 



An illustration of the peace-time application of research con- 

 ducted in connection with a specialized war project is found in the 

 work of the propeller section. It was soon seen that the develop- 

 ments worked out in relation to the conditioning of wood and the 

 use and formulas of waterproof glues had a far wider field of appli- 

 cation than merely to airplane propellers. Following the armistice, 

 therefore, experiments were started in several different lines of built- 

 up construction where possibilities for the utilization of small pieces 

 and waste material existed. Sets of bowling pins, shoe lasts, hat 

 blocks, wagon bolsters and tongues, and other articles were made of 

 laminated material and tested in actual use. These tests in most 

 instances already indicate that the laminated construction for such 

 articles Avill be practically as serviceable as solid m.aterial. 



As a result oi the war there has been a very marked stimulation 

 in and acceptance of the value of research in forest products, and 

 the requests for cooperation and assistance Avhich have come to the 

 laboratory from many different industries have more than taxed the 

 organization. It has, in fact, become necessary to decline coopera- 

 tion in a great many instances on account oi the inability of the 

 decreased force to carr}- on the work. There is now open to the 

 aboratory a tremendous field of research of great economic and 

 industrial value. 



Close relations were maintained through an office of Forest Prod- 

 ucts in Washington with the various branches and offices of the 

 War and Navy Departnients located in Washington and needing 

 the cooperation of the forest products organization, and also 

 with the War Industries Board, the War Trade Board, the Ship- 

 ping Board, the Emergency Fleet Corporation, the British and 

 other Allied commissions, and various commercial organizations 

 and associations having to do with war activities. In this way it 

 was possible to furnish data and information on which immediate 

 decision relating to the purchase, storage, or use of timber could be 

 made. Much assistance was given in the preparation of specifi- 

 cations for making purchases of forest products for construction 

 purposes, vehicles, boxes, airplane material, etc., and in the inspec- 

 tion of timbers for ships, airplanes, and docks. Extensive files cover- 

 ing a wide range of data on forest products were maintained for 



