ON JUDGING 79 



rounded by a dozen first-rate dogs, distinguished only 

 by their number tallies, and to place them methodically 

 and consistently in the order of their respective merits. 



I take it that one's first sensation is an overwhelming 

 surprise at the magnitude of the task, and one's own 

 temerity in undertaking it. I hope that the second is a 

 conscientious determination to acquit oneself honourably 

 in the ordeal. 



To this end the beginner must dismiss entirely from 

 his mind the personalities of the exhibitors, and the 

 opinions, friendly or unfriendly, of the critics at the ring 

 side. He is on his probation as a judge, and he must 

 stand or fall by his decisions. Moreover, he must stand 

 or fall alone. If he is to succeed he must necessarily 

 possess three qualifications, namely, impartiality, con- 

 sistency, and method. 



Whatever his judgment may dictate, he must give it 

 impartially and consistently. Whatever routine he elects 

 to observe, he must carry it through methodically. 



It is possible that he may reverse recent decisions, 

 and that he will reap his meed of hostile criticism. It 

 is more than probable that disappointed exhibitors will 

 resent his methods and question his qualifications. All 

 that is in the day's work, and matters not the least. 

 Provided he is impartial, consistent, and methodical, he 

 has the making of a judge. 



So much by way of generalisation. Let me now 

 proceed to address myself to the embryo judge in 



