11 



S. W. Robinson, professor of meclmiiical engineering, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio: 

 1 consider the testing, as outlined, to be of liighest importance to engineers, builders, furniture manufacturers, 

 otd/., and would urge such aid as can be given it. 



H. G. Kelley, resident engineer St. Louis Southwestern Eailway Company, Texarkana, Tex. : 



I desire to express my deep interest in this work. The value of it will be incalculable, not only to the railroads 

 but to the building interests of the country. The jtiofessional knowledge of the qualitii^s of the different timbers 

 in the various parts of the country is now almost a purely professional experience, which, at best, is a very uncertain 

 factor for the engineer and btiilder. I shall take great pli'asure in furui.shiiig all the assistance I can to such agents 

 or experts as may be sent out by the Department, and will, at all times, consider it a pleasure to give such infor- 

 mation, either personally or by mail. 



C. H. Benzenbcrg, city engineer, Milwaukee, Wis.: 



These examinations will prove of inestimable value to all engineers, builders, architects, manufacturers, and the 

 public in general, and thelal)ors of your Department in this direction will certainly be most heartily appreciated by 

 all those interested in the same. The great expense incident to a thorough set of tests extending over a number jf 

 years has prohibited most engineers or manufacturers, or even railroad companies, from entering into the subject to 

 any great extent, and hence it is most gratifying to know that the Government has commenced this work, which 

 will be of the greatest importance to all concerned. 



AmoryCoffin, chief engineer Phoenix Iron Works, Phoenix-ville, Pa. : 



Referring to the investigation of the physical properties of American timbers, recently begun in the Forestry 

 Division of the Department of Agriculture, I beg to express to you my high appreciation of the value of the results 

 sought to be obtained. I heartily trust that you will urge upon the proper authorities the importance of this work, 

 in order that the information desired may at an early date be available for the use of the engineers, architects, build- 

 ers, and general public of our country. 



H. W. King, secretary King Iron Bridge and Manufacturing Company, Cleveland, Ohio: 



I trust, as tbis investigation would be of great value to engineers and builders and the public generally, that 

 yon will succeed in securing the necessary appropriation from Congress for this purpose. Pn fact I do not see how 

 you can have any trouble in getting it, when the information is so necessary to every one. 



J. H. Hinton, lumber dealer, Lumberton, Miss.: 



The tests of timber, as carried on by Professor Johnson, of St. Louis, we think a very important work, and one 

 that is bound to result in much good to the liuilding trades, as well as to railroad interests. I trust you will use 

 your influence to secure a liberal apiiropriation. 



D. H. Burnham, engineer of construction, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, lU.: 

 Such an investigation as this will be of the greatest value to the engineers and architects, and the value will 



be increased in proportion to the rapidity with which the work is done and the results are published. We need 

 such investigations and need them now. Professor Lanza's tables, published recently, show that the old stress 

 used for timber was much too high, but we need additional and still more extended investigations. When I was 

 appointed engineer of construction. World's Columbian Exposition, August 1, I found it necessary to make changes 

 in most of the buildings because I did not dare to use as high unit stress in timber as was used by my predecessor, 

 although he claimed to be perfectly safe in his .strains aud brought forward authorities— Trautwine and others— 

 to prove his statements. I earnestly hope that Congress will make a liberal appropriation for this purpose, and 

 that speedily. 



J. T. Fanning, M. A. S. C. E., consulting engineer, Minneapolis, Minn.: 



Permit me respectfully to urge upon your Department the importance of continuing the elaborate investigations 

 and experimental determinations of the properties of American timbers, as already inaugurated in the Forestry 

 Division, under your direction. The experience of designers of architectural and engineering structures teaches 

 that the results will prove of inestimable value. 



George H. Pegram, M. Am. See. C. E., civil and mechanical engineer, St. Louis, Mo.: 

 I do not know of any work of more importance to engineers than the timber investigations and tests, now 

 being conducted by the Government. As the timber is cut off and the selection becomes more and more restricted, 

 a more thorough knowledge becomes almost inijx'rative. 



C. M. Bolton, chief engineer Kichuiond and Danville Railroad Company, Atlanta, Ga.: 

 Inlbrmation to be derived from these tests will be exceedingly valualilc, especially to civil engineers and rail- 

 roads. I will be very glad if you will have my name put on your list for the reports of tests that will be from time 

 to time issued. 



E. B. Codwise, M. Am. Soc. C. E.; C. E., Bangston, N. Y.: 



The results of this investigation will prove of great value to all engineers, architects, and others engaged in the 

 erection and care of timber structures. ► • • J would urge upon you the great importance of the work, aud 

 trust that you may obtain the uecessiiry appropriations for its speedy completion. 



