ality rails and be so marked.

"The distance between supports of rails in the straightening press
shall not be less than forty-two (42) in.; supports to have flat
surfaces and out of wind. Rails shall be straight in line and
surface and smooth on head when finished, final straightening being
done while cold.

"They shall be sawed square at ends, variations to be not more than
1-32 in., and prior to shipment shall have the burr caused by the
saw cutting removed and the ends made clean.

[Sidenote: Drilling]

"10. Circular holes for joint bolts shall be drilled in accordance
with specifications of the purchaser. They shall in every respect
conform accurately to drawing and dimensions furnished and shall be
free from burrs.

[Sidenote: Branding]

"11. The name of the manufacturer, the weight of the rail, and the
month and year of manufacture shall be rolled in raised letters and
figures on the side of the web. The number of the heat and a letter
indicating the portion of the ingot from which the rail was made
shall be plainly stamped on the web of each rail, where it will not
be covered by the splice bars. Rails to be lettered consecutively A,
B, C, etc., the rail from the top of the ingot being A. In case of a
top discard of twenty or more per cent. the letter A will be
omitted. Open-Hearth rails to be branded or stamped O. H. All
marking of rails shall be done so effectively that the marks may be
read as long as the rails are in service.

[Sidenote: Drop testing.]

"12. (_a_) Drop tests shall be made on pieces of rail rolled from
the top of the ingot, not less than four (4) ft. and not more than
six (6) ft. long, from each heat of steel. These test pieces shall
be cut from the rail bar next to either end of the top rail, as
selected by the Inspector.

"The temperature of the test pieces shall be between forty (40) and
one hundred (100) degrees Fahrenheit.

"The test pieces shall be placed head upward on solid supports, five
(5) in. top radius, three (3) ft. between centers, and subjected to
impact tests, the tup falling free from the following heights:

70 lb. rail 16 ft.
80, 85 and 90 lb. rail 18 ft.
100 lb. rail 20 ft.

"The test pieces which do not break under the first drop shall be
nicked and tested to destruction.