These ratios are shown in Table XV, but it is to be noted that they apply only to wood in a much drier condition than is used in practice.

For air-dry wood the ratios are considerably lower, particularly in the case of the ultimate strength and the elastic limit.

Stiffness (within the elastic limit), while following a similar law, is less affected.

In the case of shear parallel to the grain, the general effect of drying is to increase the strength, but this is often offset by small splits and checks caused by shrinkage.
|----------------------------------------------------------------------| | TABLE XV | |----------------------------------------------------------------------| | EFFECT OF DRYING ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD, SHOWN IN | | RATIO OF INCREASE DUE TO REDUCING MOISTURE CONTENT FROM | | THE GREEN CONDITION TO KILN-DRY (3.5 PER CENT) | | (Forest Service Bul.

70, p.