418 The Canary Book. 



In judging Lizard canaries, handle them, and blow them 

 all over, and notice particularly that the bird has not a bald 

 face which has been "blacked in," and that there are no 

 white feathers in the pinion covers. Examine their legs 

 minutely, as they are often found to be stained, and also 

 the upper mandible. In judging crested birds, see that the 

 crests are not gummed down. These and a variety of similar 

 dishonest practices are often resorted to by unprincipled 

 fanciers. 



In judging an " any other variety " class of canaries, you 

 should select the three best specimens of each distinct variety 

 shown, and place them first, second, and third, according to 

 their individual merits; never giving two prizes to the same 

 variety, unless much superior in merit to birds of a different 

 variety; but in awarding prizes in a selling class, you should 

 give them to the best birds exhibited to those of the 

 greatest intrinsic value, apart from any other consideration. 



In serving as judge several times during the past twenty- 

 five years at the Crystal Palace, Alexandra Palace, and many 

 other important shows, I have always acted in accordance 

 with the plan herein set forth, and I never was found fault 

 with. Of late, I have reluctantly been necessitated to refuse 

 a great many invitations to be judge at different shows, owing 

 to the nature of my employment (and through ill-health), as I 

 have great difficulty in getting from home. I would add, in 

 conclusion: a judge should always bear in mind that he is as 

 much the servant of the exhibitors as he is of the managers 

 of a show, and that if he is faithful in. the discharge of his 

 duties, he must act with the most studied impartiality. 



