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Review of Skulls and Bones (mammal bone ident. and collecting)
Steve Brock (brock@ucsub.Colorado.EDU)
19 Mar 1995 20:27:43 GMT
SKULLS AND BONES: A GUIDE TO THE SKELETAL STRUCTURES AND BEHAVIOR
OF NORTH AMERICAN MAMMALS by Glenn Searfoss. Stackpole Books, 5067
Ritter Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (800) 732-3669, FAX: (717) 796-
0412. Illustrated, index, glossary, list of recommended readings,
five appendices. 287 pp., $19.95 paper. 0-8117-2571-5
Reviewed by Steve Brock
How does the skull of a bobcat differ from that of a lynx? Or
a mountain lion? Why are cow skulls and hipbones frequently
confused with each other? Where are the best places to find bones?
Searfoss answers these and many other questions in this mammoth
guide to bone collection and identification.
"Skulls and Bones," written in a non-technical style, is
packed with illustrations, from individual bones to complete
skeletons, with commentary on how bones can tell the story of how
an animal lived, as well as how it died (starvation, disease, a
trap). Also included are classification lists and tables, and tips
for cleaning, preservation, and displaying bones (Searfoss displays
several of his specimens in sculptures).
The exhaustively-researched book is essential for amateur bone
seekers, collectors, and budding osteologists. Grade: A-.
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