232 . DEPAKTMENTAl, REPORTS. 



addresses and lectures were given at engineering associations and 

 universities throughout the year. Exhibits showing the actual re- 

 sults of timber tests and actual test pieces of various species were 

 prepared for the exhibit of the Forest Service at the Lewis and Clark 

 Exposition at Portland. 



A carefully planned series of tests was made to determine the rela- 

 tive value of various kinds of lumber for the making of boxes, in 

 which the ability to hold nails, as well as the actual strength of the 

 lumber, is involved. At the request of the Chief of the Philippine 

 Bureau of Forestry, a report was prepared on the strength of four 

 species of wood from the Philippine Islands. 



Tests were made to determine the spike-holding capacity and the 

 mechanical strength of certain specimens of Gatalpa catalpa and 

 Catalpa speciosa, aiid of treated red oak. 



An investigation of the effect of the rate of loading upon the 

 strength of wood is well under way at the laboratory of the Yale 

 Forest School. It should have, when completed, nearly the same 

 technical value as the work done by that laboratory on the moisture- 

 strength problem. 



In connection with the timber-testing plant at the Louisiana Pur- 

 chase Exposition, a long series of tests was made on loblolly pine to 

 determine the effect of steaming and of preservatives on strength. 



The work of the various laboratories has included not only the col- 

 lection, description, and testing of material, but the computation of 

 the data, analysis of results, and preparation of charts to show con- 

 clusions — work which takes at least as much time as the tests them- 

 selves. The data not only serve the immediate purpose for which the 

 tests were designed, but will form the basis of replies in a rapidly 

 increasing correspondence from lumbermen, contractors, and engi- 

 neers. 



In all, 8,210 mechanical tests were made during the year, and an 

 equal number of moisture determinations. Each test involves on the 

 average about thirty-five measurements in addition to the description 

 and drawing of the stick before and after the test. 



\ ORGANIZATION AND WORK FOR THE ENSUING YEAR. 



The office during the next year will comprise the four sections of 

 lumber trade, timber tests, wood preservation, and dendro-chemistry. 



Lumber Trade. 



A section of lumber trade is being organized to study the sup- 

 ply, transportation, markets, and use of lumber and other forest 

 products. 



LIKES OF WOEK. 



Grading specifications. — A preliminary study of specifications 

 was made and the work is now being planned in detail, not so much 

 for the purpose of suggesting modifications of present rules as to 

 bring various specifications together for comparison by both buyers 

 and sellers of lumber, just as has been done already in the case of 

 log rules. 



