and the reasons for their decisions thus given, this class of exhibitors, 

 who are now discontented, would be satisfied that the judges had acted 

 fairly, and would make no complaint. The present system of judging 

 is therefore unsatisfactory, as it does nothing towards allaying this need- 

 less discontent. 



3. It fails to direct breeders, who are looking J or stock to itJiprove 

 their herds in particular points, where animals high in these poi fits can be 



Jonnd. Were the judges to state in what particular points the prize and 

 commended animals excel the others, an authoritative record of these 

 points would be created, to which breeders would turn when in quest 

 of stock possessed of certain points of particular excellence, and thus 

 save themselves a great deal of trouble and expense in visiting the dif- 

 ferent herds to look for animals high in the qualities they desire to 

 engraft on, or increase in their stock ; while they would at the same 

 time be put on their guard against any defects these prize animals might 

 have, through their shortcomings, as well as their excellences, being 

 noticed by the judges. If this record were once established, breeders 

 would be enabled to see how even the far back progenitors of stock, 

 which they were inclined to purchase, stood in regard to every point of 

 any importance. The present system of judging gives no such inform- 

 ation, and therefore fails in this most important respect. 



4. // fails to afford those who are anxious to acquire it, a knowledge 

 cj the excellences and dejects of Stock, and therejore does little or nothing to 

 advance this most important branch of Agriculture. If the judges of 

 stock at the principal shows were to give the reasons for the decisions 

 at which they arrive as they ought to do these reasons would be 

 published with the lists of prizes in the daily papers the day after the 

 stock were judged, and visitors, going round the stalls with the papers 

 in their hands, would be able to see why one animal was placed before 

 the other, and thus learn more in the course of one day's attendance at 

 a show than they now do in ten years under the present system of 

 judging. In this respect also, the existing system is a failure, and 

 ought to be altered ; for one of the principal objects of shows is the 

 dissemination of information ; and every endeavour should be made to 

 render them thoroughly educational. 



The fact is that our shows now scarcely confer one tithe of the 

 benefit they ought to do, and public opinion is frequently misdirected, 

 while not an exhibition passed but a great deal of dissatisfaction is 

 caused to exhibitors and the public, both through the want of informa- 

 tion from the judges and erroneous awards. As regards the educa- 

 tional element, again the great object for which shows were esta- 

 blished these exhibitions are every whit as wanting as they were 

 twenty years ago ; and it surely cannot be the case, that every institu- 

 tion in the kingdom is to improve and progress, and agricultural exhi- 

 bitions stand still. It is, no doubt, questionable whether the remedy 



