A technique which employs a new method of adjusting and controlling the moisture content and employs new methods of sterilizing and inoculating the test pieces is described for studying the decay rate of wood in culture. The moisture content is expressed as a percentage of the moisture present at saturation rather than as a percentage of the dry weight; thus a uniform moisture content in test pieces of different specific gravities is obtained. Sterilization is with propylene oxide gas. Inoculations are made with small pieces of wood infected with the test fungus. The natural properties of the wood are essentially unchanged by this procedure.
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