A Rapid Method of Cross-Sectioning Mammalian Hairs

Identifications of hair samples are a frequent need in connection with life history studies, food habits research, and investigation of isolated cases of mortality in the field. Cross sections of hairs often prove of material value in determining the identity of the mammal involved. In some mammals, for example the shrews, the shape and structure of the cross sections of the hairs are much more distinctive than the appearance of the hair as viewed longitudinally. Especially is this true when it is known from which part of the hair the cross sections are obtained. Several methods of cross-sectioning hairs have been used in the past, the most intricate being the use of rotary or sliding microtomes. However, many workers do not have access to micro-