42 METHODS IN JUDGING AND SELECTION 



of the related parts, thus making it impossible to establish 

 fixed units of value. 



Comparative Judging. The method of judging by com- 

 parison is the logical result of score card proficiency. After 

 the details of location, names and the value of the various 

 parts of the animal organism are once mastered, a class of 

 animals may be placed in their comparative order of merit 

 and the reasons for so doing written or given orally. The 

 former method is usually employed in the beginning to per- 

 fect briefness and accuracy. In the employment of the com- 

 parative method of judging it is necessary to have not only 

 a clear idea of animal form, but also a logical mind in form- 

 ing a complete or true balance of points among the animals 

 under judgment. Numerous questions usually arise per- 

 taining to the value of animal conformation in its relation to 

 the various factors which must .be considered. As there is 

 no fixed rule which can be followed in these cases it is neces- 

 sary for the student to have a clear conception of the 

 value of various animal conformations in the many relations 

 which they assume in the class room and on the farm. It is 

 for this reason principally that score card judging is not the 

 most satisfactory method to employ. It is this balance of 

 the practical or productive capacity which must be considered 

 in judging animals for specialized purposes. Comparative 

 judging of individuals entails a complete harmonious balance 

 of points which cannot give unjust or untrue decisions if 

 based on fixed fundamental principles. 



Show Ring Judging. Show ring judging is a practical 

 repetition of the work of the student in the class room, with 

 the exception that reasons are usually not given for the rating 

 of the animals, although from an educational viewpoint 

 such a course would be practical and highly desirable. 

 Modern show ring judging is based entirely on the evidences 

 of utility and quality exhibited in the external characteristics. 

 Blood lines .are considered only to the extent which the 

 animal shows improved breeding and pronounced individual- 

 ity. Otherwise, animals are judged and ranked according 

 to their individuality at the time judgment is passed. Form 

 and quality, in the broad sense, include all essential considera- 



