JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 133 



are used, the figures in the column do not stand out so clearly 

 in contrast as when the decimal fractions are employed. 



The number of points cut is an expression sometimes used 

 when referring to the number of points deducted from per- 

 fection. If a part in the perfect score is credited with 10, 

 and one gives the animal in question 7 points, then we say 

 it has been cut 3 points. Many judges write the 3 on the card 

 instead of the 7. This practice is wrong. The points cut 

 should not be written down. We are comparing the thing 

 as it exists in the real animal, with the ideal, and this com- 

 parison is expressed numerically. To put down as points 

 that which is lacking, is to compare nothing with something. 

 With our two columns, however, one of the imperfect score, 

 and the other of the perfect, we are able to draw a proper 

 comparison all through. 



The value of the score of an animal should not be regarded 

 too highly. The chief importance of the score card lies in 

 the first lessons in judging, in which the different parts of 

 the animal, their location and relative value are impressed 

 on the mind. It is difficult, however, to score an animal 

 satisfactorily under the varying conditions of living flesh. 

 To-day we may score an animal 75, and to-morrow perhaps 

 71. The horse we scored yesterday may show more char- 

 acter and style to-day than he showed 24 hours ago. We 

 do not know how to express in cold figures these things we 

 see in the beast before us. We can tell what we see, and, if 

 we have two or more animals before us for judgment, it may 

 be an easy thing to place them in their relative order of 

 merit, and with good reasons. Yet these reasons can not 

 be so clearly shown by a column of figures on a score card. 

 On various occasions efforts have been made to judge ani- 

 mals on the basis of the scale of points, and to make show- 

 ring awards accordingly. This plan has been carefully tried 

 by many of our best judges, and has very generally proved 

 unsatisfactory, and for the reason given. To-day the scor- 



