An SRC-funded project was set up in 1979 at the Environmental Archaeology Unit, University of York, to apply multivariate statistical techniques to the study of breed changes in cattle and pigs, as indicated by the bones, from York deposits of different ages. The recording of these archaeological bones required both descriptive text (species, bone-type etc.) and a series of measurements for each bone. In order to sort and manipulate the huge number of bone records from a large site it is necessary to use a computer. Ideally, bone records would be entered directly at a computer terminal; however on-line computer time and resources are limited. Therefore a system has been developed whereby bone information is recorded directly, using a microcomputer, and then periodically transferred to a mainframe for processing. Descriptive text is entered via the microcomputer keyboard, and measurements are fed in directly from measuring calipers fitted with a linear transducer and interfaced with the microcomputer. Programs on the mainframe allow desired records to be selected very easily, and the metrical information may then be isolated for numerical analysis. This system combines the flexibility and portability of coding sheets with the convenience and ease-of-use of computers, and reduces the number of opportunities for error.