No defects should be allowed in these specimens.
_Marking and sketching_: Sketches are made of each end of the specimen to show the character of the growth, and after testing, the manner of failure is shown for all four sides.

In obtaining data regarding the rate of growth and the proportion of late wood the same procedure is followed as with large beams.
_Adjusting specimen in machine_: The beam should be correctly centred in the machine and each end should have a plate with roller bearings between it and the support.

Centre loading is used.

Between the movable head of the machine and the specimen is placed a bearing block of maple or other hard wood, the lower surface of which is curved in a direction along the beam, the curvature of which should be slightly less than that of the beam at rupture, in order to prevent the edges from crushing into the fibres of the test piece.
_Measuring the deflection_: The method of measuring deflection of large beams can be used for small sizes, but because of the shortness of the span and consequent slight deformation in the latter, it is hardly accurate enough for good work.

The special deflectometer shown in Fig.