FRUIT SHOWS 277 



sufficiently small to run over 150 to the box are not 

 wanted. Therefore, oversized and undersized varieties 

 are scored off in proportion to their variation of the 

 market standard. 



The color of the fruit must be uniform. This may 

 vary from box to box in the same variety, but should not 

 vary in the same box. Where the top layer is not 

 wrapped, highly colored specimens are all turned with 

 the blush in the same relative way. A variegated color 

 arrangement often materially detracts from the appear- 

 ance. The value of the variety is a comparatively new 

 requirement and is usually inserted where boxes com- 

 pete for sweepstake prizes. This is to prevent undesir- 

 able varieties from getting first place. 



Texture and flavor is the one doubtful Jonah to judges. 

 Obviously they could not sample or taste apples from 

 1,000 to 2,000 packages. Any way, there is no accounting 

 for taste. What one judge may like another one would 

 throw out. Besides, apples which are at their best at 

 widely different times come together in competition at 

 the same time, giving an unfair distinction. Judges usu- 

 ally get around this vexed question by marking all 

 entries perfect in texture and flavor, unless there seems 

 to be some gross departure from the average accepted 

 types. 



Those who have thus far followed this article will see 

 that the task of a fruit judge is no easy one. The details 

 are exacting and each point must be carefully considered. 

 After the entries have all been examined the judges then 

 retire and total up the scores. Those ranking the high- 

 est are taken to the management of the show and the 

 number is then affixed to the name of the exhibitor and 



