Fitting Wethers for Shows. 219 



hibitors have given the best satisfaction as judges. 

 It is clear to everyone that a man who for years 

 has cared for and raised sheep and is familiar 

 with show yard deceptions will make a more effi- 

 cient judge than one who only occasionally sees a 

 sheep. 



The judge must possess the following qualifica- 

 tions before he is competent to officiate in the ring : 



First, he must be thoroughly familiar with the 

 standard of excellence of each individual breed of 

 sheep he is to pass upon. 



Second, he must have learned the practical man- 

 ner of handling and examining sheep. 



Third, he must possess the indispensable sharp- 

 ness to quickly see the best points in one sheep and 

 the defective ones in another. 



Fourth, when questioned he must be able to state 

 the reasons upon which he bases his decision. 



Fifth, he should be able to pass judgment on a 

 class in a fairly speedy manner. 



Sixth, and most important of all, the judge must 

 be strictly honest. 



In the show ring he should accord the same treat- 

 ment to his enemy that he does to his friend. Ab- 

 solute impartiality should govern his decision. Of 

 course no judge can please all exhibitors, as the 

 better animals will win and the inferior ones will 

 ahvays lose. But if a judge who understands his 



