If the student will get these general track principles wellfixed in his mind, he will be able to pretty well size up thesituation when he finds deer tracks on the trail. He will alsobe able to closely estimate the time that has elapsed since thetracks were made if he knows the signs.
A fresh track will show a sharp impression with a decidedglaze on the outer edges. Older tracks will loose the glaze and,if exposed to the sun, will show drying cracks where thesoil was tightly pressed. Overnight tracks will reveal tiny dewdrops, frost, or water on the bottom. If it is raining, a freshtrack will be very distinct, but if water has collected in thetrack, it is probably a few hours old. Tracks in the mud in astream will contain muddy water if fresh, if it is filled withclear water, it is some hours old. Tracks in moss and mulchare sharply defined for a short period of time.
