1918.] The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. 301 
replaced by one with, a tall initial mercury column, the bulb and 
ungraduated portion of the stem projecting into the centre of the test- 
piece in the cylinder. The method of sealing the thermometer into the 
stick was adopted after several trials, and showed sufficiently steady 
results. A hole was bored into the piece, of just sufficient diameter to 
take the thermometer, and a steam-tight gland was made at the surface 
of the wood by sinking a rubber collar as shown in the subjoined sketch :— 
Fig. 4.— Diagram (not to scale) showing method of arranging thermometer. 
Dimensions of piece, 4 in. by 2^ in. by 2 ft. 6 in. 
Materials used in Seasoning Experiments. 
Fagus Menziesii (red-birch), seasoned and green, obtained through the 
courtesy of the Assistant District Railway Engineer, was used, the 
green wood being cut on the 25th February, and the tests completed 
early in April, 1916. Specimens showing checking of any description 
were discarded, and altogether some sixty tests were made, twenty 
under each condition. The results obtained were based on the most 
uniform runs, any widely deviating results or results obtained from 
specimens that split during the tests being rejected. Taking into 
consideration the variable nature of the material used, the data are 
remarkably uniform, and quite warrant the modification of Hunt’s 
method. 
The conditions of the tests were : (1) Saturated steam at atmospheric 
pressure, 212° F. ; (2) saturated steam at 20 lb. pressure, 259° F. ; 
(3) creosote at (a) 212° F., ( b ) 185° F. 
