46 
BULLETIN 1037, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
SUMMARY 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. 
