CROSS TIES 



275 



Ties from needleleaved trees shall be of compact wood, with not less than one- 

 third summerwood when averaging five or more rings of annual growth per inch, or 

 with not less than one-half summerwood in fewer rings, measured along any radius 

 from the pith to the top of the tie. Ties of coarse wood, with fewer rings or less 

 summerwood, will be accepted when specially ordered. 



Ties from needleleaved trees for use without preservative treatment shall not 

 have sapwood more than 2 in. wide on the top of the tie between 20 in. and 40 in. 

 from the middle, and will be designated as "heart" ties. Those with more sapwood 

 will be designated as "sap" ties. 



Manufacture. 



Ties ought to be made from trees which have been felled not longer than one 

 month. 



All ties shall be straight, well manufactured, cut square at the ends, have top and 

 bottom parallel, and have bark entirely removed. 



Dimensions. 



Before manufacturing ties, producers should ascertain from the railroad to which 

 they contemplate delivering them just which of the following lengths, shapes and sizes 

 will be accepted. 



All ties shall be 8 ft. or 8 ft. 6 in. long. 



All ties shall measure as follows throughout both sections between 20 in and 40 in. 

 from the middle of the tie: 



Grade. 



Sawed or Hewed 

 Top. Bottom, and Sides. 



None 



Sawed or Hewed 

 Top and Bottom. 



The above are minimum dimensions. Ties over i in. more in thickness, over 3 in. 

 more in width, or over 2 in. more in length will be degraded or rejected. 



