212 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



After the classification is made the next problem is the' selection of 

 competent judges. In regard to this there is much to be said, as there are 

 many difficulties encountered when it comes to securing competent judges. 

 The limited funds, the scarcity of capable, honest judges, the lack of in- 

 terest in superintendents and the consequent neglect of tlie matter; and 

 maybe the lack of knowledge as to where to find the kind of a man 

 wanted, are some of the difficulties encountered. The average invitation 

 to judge at a county fair asks for a man who can judge all classes of ani- 

 mals and sometimes poultry and pet stock. This doubtless is due to the 

 fact tliat the board has the idea that one judge can do it all, and thus save 

 expense. This supposed lack of funds or economical streak is one of the 

 greatest difficulties. In a fair where horses were a prominent feature an 

 expert race-horse starter judged all horses, light, coach, heavy draft, etc. 

 Such a man might be a judge of liglit horses, and there is a bare possi- 

 bility that he might judge other classes, but it is not probable (and this 

 was not true in this case), but it saved tlie extra expense of securing a 

 draft-hoi-se judge. There are but few all-around judges in the country, 

 and mucli Avill be gained by securing a man who is an expert in some 

 particular line. The expense is greater^ but it is a legitimate expenditure 

 and will prove profitable in the end. It may possibly be better to cut 

 the premiums a little, and thus be able to secure a competent judge. . :Most 

 exhibitors would prefer a cut in premiums to a poor judge. There are 

 many men competent to judge one class of animals who will do the work 

 for a reasonable sum. and occasionally men who can judge two classes, 

 but it is not likely that many will give satisfaction in more than two 

 classes, unless specially trained for such work. 



The fair associations ought to help one another in securing judges; 

 in fact, a printed list of acceptable judges within the State would be a 

 desirable thing. This list should include those Avho have had experience 

 and have proven themselves honest, capable judges. It might also in- 

 clude a list of young men who have had training in some particular liue, 

 or who have grown up as breeders, and who have qualifications for such 

 work. Sometimes the animal husbandry department of the agricultural 

 college might be of assistance in securing such men. Many times young 

 breeders attend agricultural schools, supplementing their experience and 

 knowledge with such training as is given in these institutions. These, of 

 course, are inexperienced, but far more capable than the "pick-up," and in 

 most cases strictly fair and honest. The matter of securing judges will 

 be very much easier if it is given attention early, as judges often have 

 engagements several months ahead. It seems to me that it would be a 

 wise plan to have in the catalogue the name of the judge who is to pass 

 on the various classes of stock, and tlien the exhibitors would have no 

 complaint on the selection of the judges, as they would know before- 

 hand who was to pass on their stock. Finally in regard to this matter, 

 it is economy to speiul money for good, honest, compefent judges — men 



