72 THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



in which his exhibits are to be judged, and to ascertain 

 the hour at which that ordeal is likely to take place. 



About a quarter of an hour before the fateful moment 

 he may set about his final preparations. His object now 

 is to put his exhibit into the ring in the very best form 

 possible. 



This is one of the rare occasions on which he may 

 use a comb all through his dog's coat, removing any 

 symptoms of matting or tangles, and subsequently 

 brushing up the whole coat from stern to head. If 

 any whitening has been used for cleaning purposes, he 

 will see that every trace of it is thoroughly brushed out. 

 He will then be ready to go into the ring as soon as his 

 class is called. 



One of the ring stewards will supply him with a 

 numbered card, which he will attach prominently to his 

 person. He may fasten it to a button of his coat or 

 stick it in his hat-band, or wear it in his mouth if he 

 likes, so long as the number is plainly visible to the judge 

 and the spectators at the ring side. 



From this moment the beginner is to devote the whole 

 of his attention to his dog, to allow it to be seen to the 

 best possible advantage, and in leading it round the ring 

 to keep it between himself and the judge. He will do 

 exactly as that official tells him, and will always refrain 

 from making any remark whatever to a judge, except in 

 answer to the latter's questions. So soon as the judging 

 is over he will lead his dog from the ring without any 



