The load settlement behavior of a soil sample is to be determined from a laboratory oedometer test. The type of soil specimen that will provide the most reliable load$-$deformation characteristics is a soil sample obtained from:

a$.$ A thin$-$walled pushed sampler $($Shelby tube$)$

b$.$ A Standard Penetration Test sampler $($SPT or Split Spoon sampler$)$

c$.$ Trimmings from a hand auger

d$.$ Trimmings from the outside of an auger