JUDGING 569 



is, in accordance with commonly accepted ideas of quality, one 

 must know first the requirements of the standard used, and the 

 common interpretations of Standard specifications, and then what 

 is the common practice in applying specific cuts. In the use of 

 the score card the practical question for the novice is not, What 

 is the percentage of a fault, and its numerical value when computed 

 from the value allotted the section in which it appears ? but, What 

 is the usual specific cut made for that fault ? Accuracy in score- 

 card judging consists .not in expertness in mathematical calculations, 

 but in thorough observation, point by point, and registration of the 

 appropriate cut for every fault. One may score according to his 

 own ideas, just as he may interpret the Standard and breed accord- 

 ing to his ideas (and the personal equation always has some in- 

 fluence on judging), but to judge so that his scores will indicate 

 approximately the same quality as the same scores by others, he 

 must learn by observation and practice to make the same specific 

 cuts for the same faults. 



Advantages of score-card judging. The particular advantages of 

 score-card judging are that it is complete, both as to individuals 

 and as to classes and exhibitions, where it is applied, and that it 

 furnishes a record which indicates in a general way the locations 

 and measures of faults. In class instruction and drill in judging, 

 the use of score cards is necessary. 



Limitations of the score card. In the ordinary use of the score 

 card, while specific cuts are made in each section where fault is 

 found, the symbol recorded on the card does not identify the fault 

 farther than to indicate whether it is a color or a shape defect. The 

 conditions of competitive judging do not admit of the use of score 

 cards which specify the particular faults in each section, but for 

 personal and class use score cards may be as elaborate as desired. 

 The forms in common use for judging have blank spaces for 

 " Remarks," but these are not used systematically, and give space 

 for only the briefest possible statement. For class and private use 

 larger cards with more space for descriptions of faults are sometimes 

 used, also cards with the common faults in each section indicated, 

 so that in marking the card the defect may be checked with a sin- 

 gle mark as the specific cut is registered. Simple as this seems, 

 the use of such a card in the showroom almost doubles the time 



