CHAPTEB XXI 



JUDGING AT SHOWS 



There are many good judges; men who not only know the 

 correct type and conformation of show animals of the various 

 breeds, but are men above reproach and can always be relied on to 

 be absolutely square and honest in their decisions. The matter of 

 selecting the best three or five animals, as the rules in the pre- 

 mium list require, is no small task. 



The first thing the judge must do when he steps into the arena 

 is to forget all friends and know no man. He must judge the 

 hogs only and let no personal feelings enter his mind. If his 

 brother or son should be showing in the ring he should be a man 

 of strong enough character to turn down their animals, if not 

 worthy, just as quickly as though shown or owned by an entire 

 stranger. 



The judge should not attempt to pass on the animal unless 

 he has in his mind a true picture of what the animal of that age 

 and that breed should be. Of course no animal, even a show 

 animal, is perfect. 



After carefully examining each animal of the class under view, 

 and finally deciding which, in his opinion, is the best, let him pass 

 this without further attention and consider which is the second 

 best. It is usually much easier to find the first prize animal than 

 the third, fourth or fifth, but after the judge compares points, 

 conditions, general type and conformation, and has his mind 

 made; up, let him line these animals up as first, second, third, 

 fourth and fifth as the case may be, for the clerk to take the entry 

 number and write the proper names and the award in the book. 

 Then he should by all means be ready to compare these animals 

 in the presence of the bystanders, explaining why he gave this 

 one the first over that one and so on. It is surprising to a judge 

 sometimes to find what great satisfaction it gives the exhibitor 

 to be shown where his animal lacked in comparison with the one 

 above him, and no judge should act unless he is able to give the 

 reason. 



While disliking to speak of myself as a judge, I may be par- 

 doned in saying that I have acted as judge at practically every 

 state fair in the Union and I make it a practice to make this 

 explanation after each decision and many and many a time has the 

 loser come to me and said: "Mr. Lovejoy, I learned more today 

 from what you have shown me about weak points or undesirable 

 ones in hogs than I ever knew before, and I thank you, and I 

 now know I was not entitled to higher honors." 



72 



