The general effect of the water content upon the wood substance is to render it softer and more pliable. A similar effect of common observation is in the softening action of water on rawhide, paper, or cloth. Within certain limits, the <answer>greater</answer> the water content, the <answer>greater</answer> its softening effect.
When water content increases within certain limits in wood, does is have a less or greater softening effect?
greater