34 
Age of track .—This is shown by sharpness of impres¬ 
sion, by moisture and color, whether leaves and dirt lumps 
have fallen into it, or tracks of insects, birds, etc., or other 
man-caused tracks, have crossed it, and by the condition 
of broken green twigs, etc. A trail made at night is often 
known by the way it bumps into or makes detours around 
obstacles. Whether a horse was ridden or led may some¬ 
times be shown by the trail passing under or around low- 
hanging limbs. 
Other indications .—Speed may be approximately shown 
by degree of slide at heel, depth of heel edge and toe edge, 
length of drag of toe, and distance between tracks. The 
class of person or animal can sometimes be deduced from 
tracks (high-heeled vaquero boots, new or pointed toe 
city man’s shoes, horseshoes v. mule shoes, etc.); also 
whether drunk or sober; carrying burden or free (feet 
wider apart, steps shorter and more unsteady with burden); 
and existence of. bodily defects (step is shorter on lame 
leg, injured knee, or hip twists, foot tracks, etc.). A 
confidential talk with the local shoemaker or blacksmith, 
if there is one, will often throw light on the ownership of 
shoes which make a peculiar track. 
Following tracks .—This requires skill and experience. 
Points sometimes overlooked are the following: In dry 
pine needles breakage or minute differences in color are 
often discernible on hands and knees, though the needles 
have sprung back to position and no trace is visible while 
standing. Tracks in dry grass also require extremely close 
attention. Barring wind, grass will usually hold what 
impression is made until the coming of night dew, fog, or 
rain. Through brush a trail can be followed by broken 
or skinned twigs near the ground when it is invisible on 
the ground itself. When the trail is broken or lost, circle 
ahead in the probable direction of the trail; stakes set by 
tracks found will help to line up the course. 
Comparing tracks .—To convince a jury, it is necessary 
to identify tracks found with known tracks of the suspect. 
A track may be compared with a foot or shoe for identify¬ 
ing marks, but in respect to dimensions it is better to com¬ 
pare tracks, and also moving tracks with moving tracks, 
