Judging Cattle in the Show-Kixg. 21 



color of the fruit. All these are of value, but do not determine 

 worth. They are only fractional parts of a great whole. Another 

 will ask only of production in the dairy cow, the record made by 

 the horse, the weight of the hen, or the number of eggs, and the 

 yield of the tree. These he will declare are essentials and nothing 

 else can be. Is this true? Are we not called to look below the 

 surface and learn more of the ground work on which the animal 

 or Tree stands. A friend, one of the large wholesalers, makes it 

 a rule whenever a boy applies for a position first to study the 

 boy and then study his mother. In the right blending of the 

 natural traits and characteristics of the individual with those 

 inherited from his ancestors, we are likely to find greatest excel- 

 lence. Sure it is that along this line alone will progress be made 

 in succeeding generations. Present so-called fancy points must 

 give w^ay for the substantials, and the standard moved up where 

 it will bear solely on the question of merit. Color of tongue or 

 switch, width of stripe, number of spots, or other arbitrary mark- 

 ings, unless they add to the intrinsic worth, must be set one side, 

 and how is this to be so easily determined save by giving to each 

 its true value and allowing the sum total to "settle the worth of 

 the whole. The superiority of the scale and score card will readily 

 be admitted, but I make this plea for more systematic work in 

 awarding premiums and for extended and critical examination 

 by the state, through organized bodies, for two reasons, either of 

 which justify the action: 



1st. Because it is necessary in order to establish justice be- 

 tween exhibitors and place awards in accordance with merit. 



2d. Because of the imperative necessity for raising the standard 

 of quality in all products. 



The day has gone, never to return, when we may expect largely 

 increased prices for farm products. The outsweep of trade is 

 touching the uttermost corners, and bringing them into close re- 

 lations with the farms. We do not question to-day whether the 

 onions grew in Egypt or New York so long as the price is not 

 increased. For years we have been approaching this lower range 

 of prices and values. It is one of the conditions of our outreach- 



