232 THE BOOK OF THE ROSE CHAP, 
is all very well for such as can afford it, but few 
can: and it is to be remembered that the judges 
will not let their own personal predilections have — 
any weight in deciding on the merits of each 
Rose. 
Jupainc.—Nothing is more surprising to ex- 
hibitors of dogs, poultry, &c., than to hear that at 
all National Rose Shows the judges are appointed 
from’ those who are actually exhibiting at that very 
show. Of course no one judges in the class in 
which his own stands are, and as a matter of fact 
probably no exhibitor would have it otherwise than 
it is. Many judges are required at a large show, 
and even with much subdivision they have often as 
much or more than they can do to get through their 
task in the hour: and besides this, eyes thoroughly 
accustomed to the appearance of Roses as shown 
are required to recognise the different varieties, and 
note subtle distinctions of merit. A year or two’s 
absence from Roses and Rose shows would probably 
seriously impair a man’s efficiency as a judge. 
Judging is performed by the rules of the National 
Rose Society according to the form, size, and 
brightness of each bloom, which should be at the 
time ‘‘in its most perfect phase of possible beauty.” 
A general survey of the class should first be taken, 
for it may be that the case is clear and beyond a 
doubt. Where the stands are of large numbers— 
thirty-six and upwards—there should be another 
survey a little way off to judge better by comparison, 
and. to give at all events an idea of which stands 
are “out of it,’ and which seem to be more nearly 
equal. 
Those stands about which there is any doubt 
