ON JUDGING 83 



stands when subjected to this simple test. Now feel the 

 depth of his brisket, the spring of his ribs, and the stout- 

 ness of his loin, passing onward to the quarters, hocks, 

 hind legs and feet. Lift the hindquarters, and see 

 exactly how he drops upon his feet by nature. 



Do all this intelligently and methodically, carefully 

 noting the texture of the coat as your hands travel over 

 every inch of it. Carry in your mind, meanwhile, the 

 ideal sheep dog of your dreams, and take mental note of 

 the points at which the anatomy of your subject falls short 

 of your standard of perfection. 



Now bid his exhibitor lead the dog slowly from you 

 and back again, carefully scrutinising his action the while ; 

 and lastly let him run up the ring and down again, as far 

 and as fast as space permits. Ascertain his age, and set 

 him aside for the moment, passing on to the next dog, and 

 proceeding exactly as before. Good, bad, or indifferent, 

 give each one the self-same treatment and the self-same 

 care. 



If your class be a very large one, you may now safely 

 proceed to the elimination of the undesirables. Don't 

 allot V.H.C. cards indiscriminately. As you increase their 

 numbers so you decrease their value. 



Having dismissed the undesirables from the ring, you 

 may now fairly reckon on having reduced your task to the 

 consideration of about half a dozen. These you may 

 proceed to handle carefully once again, correcting or 

 endorsing your impressions of their merits, and pitting 



G 2 



