Direct gravimetric measurements of the along-the-grain uptake of linseed oil by white spruce sapwood are reported. Several possible uptake mechanisms have been considered, including hydrostatic effects, capillarity of cell lumens, capillarity of cell walls, and film spreading on cell surfaces. Observed time constants for uptake of linseed oil are interpreted as resulting from oil movement into cell lumens through inter-connections having low permeability, through higher permeability of cell walls, and through imperfections in the wood. An appendix on uptake mechanisms is provided. -- AATA