24 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



the centre. At first the deflection of the beam gradually increased and 

 the increase continued for some months until the beam had attained its 

 normal state, when the average deflection remained constant, showing a 

 slight increase or decrease, corresponding to the degree of moisture in the 

 air. The load of 1,000 lbs. was placed on the beam June 15th, 1895, the 

 resulting deflection being 071 in. On August 24th it was found that 

 this had gradually increased to -090 in., and from August 24th to 

 September 2nd the deflection ranged between -090 and "082 in., accord- 

 ing to the humidity of the atmosphere. On September 4th, 1895, the 

 load was increased to 2,000 lbs., the corresponding deflection being -127 

 inches. This load was allowed to remain on until January 8th, 1896, and 

 the deflection averaged between -129 to "114 in. On January 9th, 

 1896, the load was entirel}^ released, the observed set being -025 in. 



In the normal state, as in the kiln-dried state, the average deflection 

 was found to be directly proportional to the load. 



