ON JUDGING 85 



bitches, ascertain the sex of each exhibit as you handle 

 it, and divide the sexes, placing all the dogs on one side 

 of the ring and the bitches on the other. Judge the dogs 

 first and place the first three, then the bitches and do 

 likewise. Now pit the best dog against the best bitch, 

 and proceed exactly as before, until you have satisfied 

 yourself as to the four best animals out of the six, and 

 their respective positions. 



Finally, deal with the special prizes; and don't be 

 misled into supposing that these will necessarily follow 

 the previous awards. Study the wording carefully and 

 be methodical. If any doubt as to the donor's meaning 

 arise, thresh it out carefully. Pit dog against dog as 

 occasion may require, whatever your mental opinion may 

 be. Don't let anyone hurry you ; the ring is yours until 

 your last award is made. Proceed systematically to the 

 end, until you have logically solved each problem to the 

 very best of your ability. 



This part of your duties completed, proceed to the 

 secretary's office, and make it your business to see that 

 the award cards are placed over the benches with the 

 least possible delay. 



Then, if you be a wise man, you will catch the first 

 train home and wait, with what philosophy you may, 

 for the printed criticisms of your efforts in the columns 

 of the canine press. 



Bearing these simple rules in mind, you are as likely 

 as not to acquit yourself satisfactorily at your first 



