The initial growth of Pd and Pt on Ta(211) was studied at several temperatures by low-energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and work function change measurements. At room temperature Frank-van der Merwe-type growth was observed for Pd. It has been found that at temperature T > 800 K and coverage theta > 2 ML the agglomeration of adsorbate and the formation of large crystallites occurs. In both cases, of Pd and Pt adatoms, the formation of an alloy cannot be excluded. Formation of chains at low coverages has not been observed for the investigated metals. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.