The moisture content is examined in the kiln dried condition. The mechanical properties are done to measure the bending strength, compressive strength parallel to grain, compressive strength perpendicular to grain, and tensile strength perpendicular to grain and shear strength of each species of timber. a good timber will have a uniform structure with straight, firm fibres. Appearance — a good timber will be shiny when sawed. This is due to resinous matter present in the timber. The timber should also be without any visible defects such as blue stain or dry rot.