Figure 22-2 demonstrates the procedure used for measuring mammals. These measurements are the total length, the tail length , the foot length, and the ear length(Fig.22-2,A,B,C and D , respectively). All measurements are recorded in millimeters . Take the total length measurement by placing the specimen on a ruler, as shown , and measuring from the tip of the snout to the end of the vertebral column ( not to the tip of the hair on the tail) .the tall length is again concerned with length of the vertebral column ( not the hair ),and is measured from that point where the tail bends away from the body to the tip. The foot length is taken on the hide foot and may be somewhat variable depending on how worn the toenails are. A ruler (as shown ) or a calipers (preferably ) may be used for this measurement. the ear length, which can also be measured with a ruler, calipers, or dividers, is taken from the notch of the ear to the tip of the ear. Sometimes a second measurement is made from the crown of the skull to the tip of the ear . The four major measurements are also recorded in the field notebook and on the specimen label.