Abstract

Previous workers have identified two types of fibre architecture in hides from Hereford cattle which result in weak leather. The two types were called vertical fibre and the intermediate form of vertical fibre and they were considered to be forms of the same condition. In this study it is shown that the two forms (here referred to as vertical fibre and high weave) are clearly separable by microscopy of fresh hides but with more difficulty in the case of split leather. Also, vertical fibre and high weave have a different incidence depending upon the breed of the animal. It is suggested that whereas vertical fibre is a specific condition, high weave is probably a form of the normal weave. Thus it is concluded that vertical fibre and high weave are independent although similar structural forms and they both produce weak leather.