46 



BULLETIN 1037, U. S. DEPARTMEiSTT OF AGRICULTURE. 



SOMMAEY OF OBSERVATIONS. 



Creosote dipping seemed to prevent sap-staining, but it had little 

 effect upon mold. In no way did it detract from the sale value of 

 the spokes. 



The creosote bath at 80° to 90° F. was nearly as effective as at 150° 

 to 155° F. 



Mercuric chlorid, 1 per cent, seemed to be very effective in con- 

 trolling both sap- 

 stain and mold. 



Borax solution, 5 

 per cent, appeared 

 to be somewhat ef- 

 fective in control- 

 ling mold, but of less 

 value in regard to 

 sap-stain. 



The use of lime in 

 the treatment of 

 spokes was not satis- 

 factory, on account 

 of its darkening ef- 

 fect on the wood, the 

 covering up of phys- 

 ical defects, and the 

 probability of dull- 

 ing the knives used 

 in later processes of 

 manufacture. 



Salt sprinkled over 

 the spokes was of no 

 value in preventing 

 either mold or sap- 

 stain. 



The ventilation of 

 spokes in a box car is 

 an important factor. 

 Those spokes in the doorway, even if untreated, usually have but little 

 tendency to mold or sap-stain. 



Practically none of the spokes in either car were culled on account 

 of defects due to fungi, although a few in the areaway between the 

 doors were thrown out on account of slight checking. 

 No incipient decay was found in any of the material. 



Fig. 20. — Green turned spokes cross piled in open or venti- 

 lated sheds. Green spokes are sometimes allowed to 

 surface dry in this manner for one to two months pre- 

 paratory to shipping in box cars. 



