and Showing. 283 



grown in the class, the animal should have the benefit of 

 its unquestionable milking attributes. The breeder, then, 

 who forces on his young stock in the way of early breeding 

 does so at considerable risk. 



HERMAPHRODITES. Finally, I should mention a 

 matter which some judges are apt to disregard, but which 

 is of the greatest importance that is, prominent sexual 

 characteristics. There are amongst goats a largely increasing 

 number of what are called " hermaphrodites," creatures 

 which seem to combine to a certain extent the sexual organs 

 of both the male and the female. Such goats are generally 

 females, but have a decidedly masculine appearance. A 

 very striking instance of this occurred some years ago, 

 when I was judging at Tunbridge Wells. There was but 

 one class for kids, exhibits of both sexes being present, 

 and I was separating the young bucks from the does, in 

 the process of adjudicating upon their respective merits, 

 when I noticed amongst the latter the usual sexual 

 evidence of the male, so I promptly had it shifted to the 

 other side. When I examined the kids on that side, and 

 took a posterior view of them, I discovered <a female among 

 them, and at the same time was struck with the similarity 

 of the animal to that I had previously sorted out. This 

 led to a closer test being made, and then I discovered 

 the extraordinary and abnormal condition of the sexual 

 organs. By good luck I had as my steward a veterinary 

 surgeon, and I accordingly asked him to bring his pro- 

 fessional knowledge to bear on the point, and to examine 

 the animal critically. This was done, and the greatest 

 surprise was expressed by my colleague on the evidence 

 before him, the case being, as he stated, quite unique 

 according to his experience. Here is proof how necessary 

 and important it is for judges to examine the sexual 

 organs of the exhibits carefully, whether kids or goats. 

 Breeders should make a similar investigation of their kids 



