 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Sample C
The dried material in sample C consisted of man-made, synthetic and natural fibres
with some hairs, fragments of plant material, including stem and leaf fragments and a
few feathers (Figures 13 and 14). A seed (Figure 15), a moderate level of fine-
grained sediment and a single insect fragment (Figure 16) were also found.
Like sample, A the feathers did not appear to be flight feathers and were therefore
considered most likely to have originated from stuffing in pillows, cushions, furniture,
etc.
Compound Light Microscopy Examination
Sample A
Examination of typical subsamples mounted on glass slides demonstrated sample
A to contain a few hairs (Figure 17) that were considered likely to have originated
from a small mammal e.g. cat, rodent, etc. Some fragmented pollen grains were also
found (Figure 18). Figure 19 shows mixed textile fibres and a cat (probably) hair.
Examination of a stained subsample of the very fine-grained suspended sediment
in the retained liquid from this sample showed there to be a relatively high level of
rod-shaped bacteria present (not shown).
Sample B
Examination of similar slides from sample B demonstrated the presence of red and
yellow dyed hairs. These hairs were not human and were, therefore, considered
likely to have originated from the carpet or other textile. A relatively low level of
bacteria were found in the very fine-grained suspended sediment in this sample,
which consisted of birefringent mineral grains, extremely fine-grained sediment,
some optically dense particles and a low level of starch (Figure 20).
 |