THIRD ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VI. 409 



tooto u.s many years before we were quite sure of getting our share if not 

 all of them. It was the best way to advertise our stock and the best 

 way to educate ourselves that was then and is possible, and there was 

 always a chance to sell a few pigs and begin the long course of building 

 up a trade. 



My advice to the beginner, therefore, would be to fit the best ani- 

 mals he has or can buy and make the smaller fairs first for a few years, 

 such as the county fairs, for the competition here is not so strong as at 

 the great state and national shows, where one comes into competition 

 with all the best in the country, and with those who know all the little 

 arts of showing to the best advantage Above all things never abuse the 

 judge or the association; it will not hurt them but reflect on yourself. A 

 judge is or should be above reproach and should never favor any man 

 to the detriment of another. It may look bad sometimes to the man who 

 does not get just what he expected, but way down in his own heart he 

 knows the other fellow had the right to get the blue. 



In selecting animals for the show try to select only the best If you 

 have but one, two or three that are of outstanding quality take them and 

 fit them to the best of your ability, and leave those that are not quite as 

 good at home. It is better to show a few and win than a whole bunch 

 that are not strong enough to win. Always try to have them all of the 

 same type, as the judge will keep as near one type in his selections as 

 possible, for in no other way can he make his work an object lesson. The 

 fact that all are striving to come as near the standard of excellence as 

 possible would necessitate the discarding of those furthest from the 

 standard. The writer has acted as judge at many of the largest shows 

 of the country, has tried to keep as near the standard type as possible, 

 and even has had in some instances to order certain animals back to the 

 pens as not creditable to the breed. In conclusion let me say to the 

 beginner: "By all means show your stock at the fairs; you will in this 

 way build up an acquaintance that will in future years be of great value 

 to you. Always show your stock in good fair show condition, but not 

 overdone. Take your defeats good naturedly, be a gentleman, and as the 

 years come and go you will find yourself growing stronger in the busi- 

 ness, and among the fraternity. Be honest in your dealings, make every 

 promise good and in time your only trouble will be to grow hogs enough 

 to fill your orders." 



Winn & Mastin: As to whether or not it pays to go into the show 

 business at the fall fairs we have always considered that it paid well to 

 ifaow; that is, where the exhibitor has a creditable show and wins a fair 

 share of the prizes To make a show at any fair with a poor or ordinary 

 herd undoubtedly does such exhibitors more harm than good, but where 

 a satisfactory herd is exhibited there surely must be great benefit and 

 advertising obtained. To the beginner it is especially beneficial, for he 

 can compare his exhibit with those of the older and more experienced 

 showmen and thus learn wherein his hogs lack, and be better prepared 

 the next year to make a successful campaign. 

 27 



