eginning at the
extreme left delta and proceeding toward the extreme right delta, as
illustrated in figure 293.

In a double loop or accidental the problem of where to stop tracing is
sometimes presented. The rule is, _when the tracing passes inside of
the right delta, stop at the nearest point to the right delta on the
upward trend_, as in figure 294. If no upward trend is present,
continue tracing until a point opposite the right delta, or the delta
itself, is reached (figs. 295 and 296).

[Illustration: 293]

[Illustration: 294]

[Illustration: 295]

[Illustration: 296]

CHAPTER III

_Questionable Patterns_

No matter how definite fingerprint rules and pattern definitions are
made, there will always be patterns concerning which there is doubt as
to the classification they should be given. The primary reason for
this is the fact that probably no two fingerprints will ever appear
which are exactly alike. Other reasons are differences in the degree
of judgment and interpretation of the individual classifying
fingerprints, the difference in the amount of pressure used by the
person taking the prints, and the amount or kind of ink used. Nothing
can be done about faulty inking or pressure once the prints are taken.
The patterns which are questionable merely because they seem to have
characteristics of two or more types can be classified by strict
adherence to the definitions in deducing a preference. The following
section is devoted to such patterns with an explanation of each.

[Illustration: 297]

[Illustration: 298]

Figure 297 has two loop formations. The one on the left, however, has
an appendage abutting upon the shoulders of its recurve at a right
angle. The left portion of the impression, therefore, is of the tented
arch type. The combination of two different types of patterns would be
classified in the whorl group (accidental), but this impression has
only the one delta. The right portion of the pattern detail contains a
true loop which fulfills all the loop requirements, i.e., a sufficient
recurve, a delta, and a ridge count across a looping ridge. In the
choice existing between a tented arch and a loop, preference is given
to the loop classification and this impression would be classified as
a loop.

[Illustration: 299]

[Illustration: 300]

[Illustration: 301]

[Illustration: 302]

Figure 298, at a glance, seems to fulfill the requirements of a whorl
(two deltas and a ridge maki