388 Kansas Academy of Science. 



and subjected to a steady crushing force until a definite rupture 

 occurred. In the pieces tested with the rays parallel to the crush- 

 ing force the average resistance per square inch was 3750, the failure 

 occurring between the rays. With the other set, where the force 

 was at right angles to the rays, the piece was held together by the 

 rays until a pressure of 12,000 pounds per square inch was reached, 

 or a little better than three times that of the former. 



Structural timbers are being constantly tested in their ability to 

 resist these forces, and if there is any virtue in placing a timber in 

 a certain position in relation to the load it is to be subjected to it 

 should be known. 



It is not expected that these tests will be accepted as conclusive 

 and final, but that the results of the experiments herein described 

 give evidence that the medullary ray as an element of strength in 

 structural timbers is well worthy of consideration and will invite 

 further investigation. 



