136 BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



it becomes necessary to decide on the relative demerits' 

 rather than the merits of each, and to place highest those 

 that show the fewest undesirable features, a matter in which 

 judges sometimes differ quite a bit. Naturally we do not 

 all see things alike; and so the judge who does his work care- 

 fully and comes to a decision independently of the views of 

 others, is assuming his responsibility in the right way. 



Keeping notes on animals under comparison is a very good 

 plan. It is customary in classes of stock judged by students, 

 to give each animal a number or letter. These marks may 

 be written on common gummed paper labels, and stuck on 

 the rump. Then on a small card or folded slip of paper, 

 one may give space to each animal under its number, and 

 make brief notes of certain features of importance. These 

 notes are often instructive and suggestive, and aid the young 

 judge in keeping things in mind. In the student's judging 

 contests of today, the boys are allowed to take notes in this 

 way, and use them for reference up to the time of appearing 

 before the judges to give their reasons. 



In discussing an animal being judged, it is desirable to do 

 so briefly and clearly, emphasizing the important things, 

 such as character, general conformati6n, quality, back, body 

 capacity, chest development, or hind quarters. Much, 

 of course, will depend on the special case in hand. Then 

 if one is describing an animal, or is comparing two or more, 

 the frequent use of such expressions as "he has a good back/' 

 or "she has the best quality," are to be discouraged. The 

 words good or best in these cases really convey no specific 

 information. Instead, if one says, "He has a long, wide, 

 muscular back;" or "She excels the other in quality, as seen 

 in a fine, silky coat of hair and a mellow, elastic skin," then 

 the reasons given will be clearer and convey more meaning 

 than simply "good" and "best." 



