Studies were made on 15 x 15 x 22 millimeter samples of Scots pine sapwood and beech and oak that were subjected to 0-100 cycles of repeated saturation with (a) sea water substitute (3.5% salinity) followed by hot-air (70°C) drying. Studies were also made on (b) samples exposed to salt water as in (a) and then leached to remove salt crystals before testing. Results were compared with analogous studies on (c) samples saturated with fresh water. After 100 cycles, compressive strength parallel to grain in pine (measured at 0% moisture content or in moist wood) was greatest in (b), least in (a). In beech and oak, compressive strength at 0% moisture content was greatest in (a), least in (c); in moist samples, strength was similar in (a), (b), and (c). Incrustation of cell walls in (a) led to increased density and radial and tangential cross-sectional dimensions. -- AATA