26 



If this course were taken by the principal agricultural societies, the 

 judges would soon master the details of the system ; and when once 

 they did so, there cannot be a doubt but that they would prefer that 

 mode of judging to any other. 



VI. STANDARD OF POINTS AND VALUES. 



An authoritative scale of points Jor guidance of judges and use of 

 agricultural colleges. If, however, it should so happen that the principal 

 agricultural societies resolve in the meantime not to adopt this system, 

 they should at any rate, if they are to aid at all in promoting the acquire- 

 ment of a more general and sounder knowledge of the principal points 

 of stock and their relative values, send out as here proposed tentative 

 scales of points to the local agricultural associations for consideration 

 and discussion by the members of these associations, with the view of 

 fixing a general scale of points and values for all the colonies. 

 The discussions that would follow on the scale thus submitted would 

 tend to the acquirement of much sounder views than now exist on 

 those most important subjects ; and, when a general and authoritative 

 scale was agreed to, copies of it should be placed in the hands of the 

 judges before they commence their work, with instructions that, 

 although they were not required to judge by points, they should make 

 their awards in accordance with the points and values set forth in these 

 scales. In this way correct and uniform awards would be secured to a 

 very much greater extent than they now are. 



Besides the benefits already noticed as arising from the adoption 

 of a fixed and authoritative scale of points, another most important 

 advantage would accrue. These scales of points and values would be 

 received by all agricultural schools and colleges as authoritative state- 

 ments, and would be taught as such to scholars and students. In this 

 way the principal agricultural . societies would furnish most valuable 

 materials for the use of these schools and colleges to be turned by them 

 to profitable account, and would thus carry out one of the most im- 

 portant objects for which they were formed. 



VII. MEASUREMENTS OF STOCK EXHIBITED. 



i. Three measurements to betaken by stewards and handed to judges. 

 The present mode of judging might be improved in another respect. 



A few of the more important measurements of the animals might 

 be taken by the stewards or by some persons appointed by the Council 

 say by the judges of condition hereafter proposed to be appointed 

 previous to the stock being brought into the ring ; and the measure- 

 ments given to the judges, along with the usual particulars as to the 

 age, food, &c., of the exhibits. This suggestion is made on the ground 

 that, as these measurements can, by using the tape, be ascertained with 

 certainty, they ought to be treated as questions of fact, and not left to 



