This is especially so in _Eucalyptus globulus_ and to a less extent with any rapidly grown wood.
The use of S-shaped thin steel clamps to prevent large checks and splits is now a common practice in this country with crossties and poles as it has been for a long time in European countries.

These devices are driven into the butts of the timbers so as to cross incipient checks and prevent their widening.

In place of the regular S-hook another of crimped iron has been devised.

(See Fig.

28.) Thin straps of iron with one tapered edge are run between intermeshing cogs and crimped, after which they may be cut off any length desired.