248 IOWA DEPARTME^^T OF AGRICULTURE. 



even feeders and do not give as great returns for what we give. 

 For myself I don't like extreme bone. I like the medium size. 

 The extreme kind do not stand up as well, do not have as good 

 feet and are not as serviceable, and I believe the part of the 

 breeder is to notice these things and make their herds produce the 

 best results. That is a breeder's business. There are lots of hog 

 raisers that are not breeders and do not take any thought of these 

 facts. We want to learn and that is. what we are here for." 



At the close of this discussion the secretary read the following 

 paper by N. H. Gentry, of Sedalia, Mo.: 



IS OUR PRESENT SYSTEM OF JUDGING, AS PRACTICED AT LEAD- 

 ING SHOWS, FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF BREEDERS FROM 

 THE STANDPOINT OF USEFULNESS? 



N. H. GEXTRY, SEDALIA, MO. 



Whether to answer the subject assigned me in the negative or affirma- 

 tive depends upon the judge. There are good judges and there are poor 

 judges. Some make their work practical, because they are practical men; 

 others less practical, given more to theory, grasping after the impossible, 

 worshiping a "fad" or riding a "hobby," arrive at wrong conclusions. 

 The latter is oftener the most confident he is right, self-satisfied in fact, 

 sanctified almost in his opinion of self. The object of all shows is edu- 

 cation, and the most important duty devolved upon the management of 

 any show is to see that the awards are intelligently and faithfully and 

 honestly made, because if not the main object of the undertaking mis- 

 carries and false ideals prevail. Even the taking of the money at the 

 entrance gate is not of more importance than the selection of the right 

 kind of men for judges. In the main I think all intelligently managed 

 shows have good judges. I have never been one of those quickly to 

 accuse a judge of dishonesty of purpose when in my opinion he made a 

 mistake. I think such action on the part of an exhibitor a direct reflec- 

 tion upon his own character; because there was never a truer saying than 

 that we judge others by ourselves. It is a common weakness. Any exhib- 

 itor can be a gentleman when he is winning. How very easy it is then, 

 but the test as to whether he in person is as well bred as he claims for 

 the stock he is exhibiting, namely, "thoroughbred," comes when he is 

 suffering defeat. This is wandering from my subject, but I offer it as 

 advice. The average beginner in the show ring needs such advice badly. 

 I never look upon a new beginner in the show ring without experiencing 

 a feeling of sympathy for him because, I know, sooner cr later the severe 

 test of how well bred he, himself — not the stock he is exhibiting — is, will 

 try him sufBciently that his fellow competitors will soon place him to the 

 level he really deserves. 



But back more to my subject. In the main I would answer my subject 

 in the affirmative. Some think too much encouragement is given to high 



