Triaxial compression tests and ultrasonic velocity measurements were made on two oil shale rocks of differing kerogen content (20 gal/ton and 40 gal/ton). Triaxial compression tests to 0.8 Gpa on samples cut at various angles to the bedding planes showed anisotropic strength behavior with the minimum strength occurring at an angle of approximately 30-40 degree to the bedding planes. The anistotropic strength characteristic was observed to vanish for triaxial tests at 0.8 Gpa on the 20 gal/ton rock but was still prevalent at 0.8 Gpa in the 40 gal/ton rock.