28 



JULY, 1907. 



TLbe fovexQU TBivb Club. 



NOTICES TO MEMBERS. 



The Magazine. In accordance with precedent, we sliall 

 not publisli an August number of the Magazine. Post mortem 

 reports will have to wait over till the September issue, unless 

 the usual postal fee {vide rules;) is enclosed. 



Members attention is drawn to the correspondence, re 

 Most Points V. Best Bird. It is hoped that all interested in 

 exhibiting will record their vote, so that the poll may be a 

 representative one. 



Wp:st.ky T. Page, 



July J^th, 1907. Hon. Edifo*ial Secretary. 



POINTS V. BKST BIRn. 



Sir, — I have been asked for some expression of opinion on 

 this rather threadbare subject which Mr. Townsend raises once 

 more in our June issue, and which was thrashed out in the 

 correspondence pages of the first volume of Biid Notes. 



I am afraid that I have nothing new to say about it. 

 " Best Bird " specials are naturally preferred by the small and 

 medium exhibitor, while point prizes are liked be.'it by large 

 exhibitois, Show Secretaries and Committees, and Judges. It 

 is impossible to please everybody, but the nearest approach to 

 that unattainable ideal might be gained hv givingsonie specials 

 for points and an equal number for best birds. 



It should, however, be borne in mind when a Judge has to 

 select the best bird from a number of classes, well-filled with 

 meritorious exhibts, his task is one of extretne difficulty, and his 

 decision is seldom satisfactory to himself or to anyone else. 

 This decision, moreover, is usuallv made somewliat hurriedlj', 

 at the end of an exhausting morning's work of judging, 

 while the Secretary is waiting impatiently for the slips for the 

 printer, and " I^ittle Mary" is reminding the Judge that his 

 usual hour for lunch is long past. Horatio R. Frr^r.MER. 



