ONE of the principal objects of a live-stock exhibition 

 is to bring before the stockmen and the public a 

 standard of excellence toward which all may strive in 

 the improvement of domestic animals. The educational 

 value of such an exhibition will depend largely upoa two 

 things, namely, the classification of the animals to be 

 exhibited and the judgment of the official who passes 

 upon the merits of the exhibits. The two are absolutely 

 dependent upon each other in presenting the lessons 

 which the exhibition should teach. 



The classification of live stock used at many of the 

 county fairs is such that it is of little instructive value 

 to the public and often causes criticism alike of the 

 judges and of fair officials. As an example, the following 

 class is not uncommon : " Best aged stallion, any breed." 

 In this case all aged stallions, regardless of whether they 

 are of the pony type, saddle type, light-harness type, or 

 draft type, are brought into competition without any 

 qualifications whatever. Should a pony stallion be placed 

 first, a saddle stallion second, and a draft stallion third, 

 there is sure to be confusion in the minds of the audience 

 and criticism of officials. Each class at a live-stock show 

 should represent a definite type of animals which have 

 some definite function or purpose. 



It is hoped that this publication will aid very mate- 

 rially in standardizing the classifications at county fairs 

 and that it will be of assistance to fair officials and 



prospective exhibitors. 



