350 AMERICAN POULTRY ASSOCIATION 



defined and, if adhered to, will determine the ratings of the 

 competing specimens correctly as a rule. But the size or weight 

 and condition of an exhibition specimen often decide its stand- 

 ing among the winners in the show-room, and great care must 

 be exercised by the judge when handling birds that appear large 

 and look in the pink of condition. 



Size is a relative term, so when two specimens are com- 

 pared the one that apparently looks the larger will often win, 

 other points being equal. But, applying the weight clause is 

 the safest rule in all such decisions. 



It is also well to bear in mind that a Plymouth Rock when 

 over standard weight, though larger in size, may be coarser in 

 type. Size and overweight has a tendency to destroy the type 

 by making the specimen coarser. In defining Standard size, 

 page 39 of the present Standard of Perfection reads : 



"In determining size, the judge shall decide by comparing 

 the specimens in competition, with due regard to weight in all 

 breeds and varieties, where weight is required by the Stand- 

 ard. When a bird fails to attain, or in case it exceeds, the 

 size proportionate with the type or shape, it must be discounted 

 quite severely." 



Symmetry is valued at four points in the Scale, so a bird 

 approximately closely the Standard ideal can be rated 100 

 per cent or the full four points of value in the Scale of Points, 

 which will make the ratings of less typical specimens a mat- 

 ter of comparative percentages. But in comparison judging 

 today, as in the past, symmetry is rarely, if ever, computed 

 by a Scale of Points. Where one specimen which is almost 

 identical with another in typical shape or symmetry, has one 

 minor shape defect only, as for instance, a head too narrow, 

 or a comb too large for a Plymouth Rock, that defect should 

 be discounted under head points, as are all minor or serious 

 faults in the different sections, and the cuts to be made when 

 the score card is applied should comply with the rules given 

 in the Standard of Perfection under "Cutting for Defect." 



Condition, like symmetry, is valued at four points, and is 

 equally difficult of application when measured by the "Scale 

 of Point" valuation, as no definite rule to determine the rela- 

 tive value of condition in competing .specimens can be laid down, 

 for it is a duty of the judge to determine this matter. 



The Standard defines Condition as follows : "The state of 

 a fowl as regards health, cleanliness and order of plumage." 

 Frosted combs, broken feathers and scaly legs are discounted 



