1817.] Experiments on the Strength of Wood. 279 
Mr. Seppings, the Surveyor of the Navy, has applied the principle 
with great advantage to framing the decks of ships; and, were it 
applied to the outside planking, would be of great advantage by 
taking off the strain, and working from the treenails. To return 
to my lath, I tried the experiment as to expansion, I marked two 
fine lines on the lath at four feet distance from each other, and 
marked them off ona table. I put the lath into the frame, with 
. the wedges driven in tight; kept it in that state some weeks, in 
order to try if it were possible to extend it. On comparing it with 
the lines made on the table, when taken out, there was not the 
least alteration.” 
I hope these experiments may induce some of your scientific 
readers to throw more light on a subject not sufficiently understood, 
and with great regard believe me, 
My dear Sir, very sincerely yours, 
Mart Beauroy. 
