Sometimes small cubes are tested, but the results are hardly applicable to conditions in practice.

In (2) the sides are surfaced and the ends squared.

The specimens are then carefully measured and weighed, defects noted, rate of growth and proportion of late wood determined, as in bending tests.

(See BENDING LARGE BEAMS, above.) After the test a moisture section is cut and weighed.
_Sketching_: Sketches are made as in endwise compression tests.
(See ENDWISE COMPRESSION, above.) _Adjusting specimen in machine_: The specimen is laid horizontally upon the platform of the machine and a steel bearing plate placed on its upper surface immediately beneath the centre of the movable head.

For the larger specimens this plate is six inches wide; for the smaller sizes, two inches wide.