POULTRY JUDGING 191 



POULTRY JUDGING 



METHODS OF JUDGING 



In America there are three methods of judging: 

 (1) By the official score card of the American Poultry 

 Association; (2) by the decimal score card; and (3) by 

 comparison. 



The practice of judging by score card was begun and 

 has continued in the United States and Canada ever 

 since the compilation of the first Standard by the Amer- 

 ican Poultry Association. A few shows that are held 

 during Nov. and a large number that are held between 

 Dec. and April are judged by the score-card method. 

 The shows that are held from April to Nov. are judge? 

 by comparison. The score-card method of judging has 

 been recognized by the American Poultry Association 

 since its origin. 



The decimal score card was introduced by the late 

 I, K. Felch in 1890, and since that time both the official 

 and the decimal score cards have been used. Although 

 the decimal score card has never been recognized by 

 the American Poultry Association, its use continues to 

 some extent, although its advocates are decreasing in 

 number. 



Although comparison judging has been used for so 

 long in the placing of awards, in fact, much longer than 

 the score-card method, it did not have the sanction of 

 the American Poultry Association until 1904. Judging by 

 comparison is practiced each year at all shows held prior 

 to Nov. 1 throughout the United States and Canada. 

 Nearly all the larger exhibitions are judged under the 

 comparison system. 



The advantages of each method of judging depend on 

 the ability of the judges accurately to determine how 

 nearly the fowls under consideration approach the re- 



