The international hardwood field experiment was planned in l976 and set up in same 30 different sites around the world. The test stakes include 4 reference species common to each site and in most cases at least 2 species of local importance. It was hoped that a picture of performance of a range of economically important species would be built up and at the same time provide vital background information for people currently engaged in hardwood and soft-rot research. It is felt that these aspirations are more than being achieved and that as time proceeds this trial will prove invaluable in developing our knowledge of wood preservation on a world wide basis. Obviously it proved impossible to set up such a large trial simultaneously. Different sites also inspect their trials at different times and so the data presented is for different periods dependent on the site. The original intention was to fully present the data at year 10 when it is considered the test should be terminated. Two progress reports have been prepared giving details of the reference species (WP3164) and of the mixed species at the master site (WP3200). The sending of results from the various sites has been rather erratic and despite precise instructions, sometimes in a form making it difficult to interpret the results. However, it is felt that this is not a major problem as all the sites will have their own records and the gaps currently in the records should be easily filled in. In view of this we have decided to compile the available results as raw data together with the omissions. This will enable cooperators to check their data and fill in the gaps in their copy of the report and communicate this to the chairman who will pass it on to the other participants. When the final data is added to the records a final report will be written giving a detailed analysis of the data and drawing any necessary conclusions. The full details of the experimental plan are given in IRG document WP/367. However as many people may have misplaced this document the details are summarised here. Each sample was given a code number consisting of 6 digits. The first two digits indicate the participating country and person; the second two digits indicate the species of timber; and the last two digits indicate the treating concentration of preservative and the sample number. With reference to the list in 2.2 the code number 162305 indicates that 16 = Japan, 23 = Crytomeria japonica, 05 = Untreated controls, sample number 5, 2.2 Species list and participants. Due to late inclusion of some species it was not possible to maintain strict numerical order in the allocation of numbers to the species. Were sufficient material was supplied a replicate set of stakes was installed at Silwood Park, Imperial College, Surrey, UK.

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