J Archaeol Sci 2 (4)

Shows how the quality of resistivity surveys may be improved by the use of new probe configurations and consideration of seasonal effects on the detectability of features, and describes the value of the new fluxgate gradiometers for rapid detailed magnetic surveys and for scanning substantial tracts of country. Various methods of survey presentation are illustrated. Au(adp)

Doubt is thrown on claims that bone differences are observable between wild and domestic species. The disparity may be due to differential preservation of collagen, the orientation of whose fibres may be confused with decayed and disorientated mineral crystals. Reference is also made to errors in X-ray diffraction work. Twenty-four thin sections illustrate these points. The humerus and metatarsals of wild sheep and goats are compared with those of tethered domesticated animals, with no conclusive results. The technique may have some use for archaeologists but the differences are less clear than formerly supposed. BW