258 A BIRMINGHAM DOG SHOW 



that the public would be much more satisfied if 

 they knew who the judges would be at the time a 

 show was advertised. Those intending to exhibit 

 could then do as they liked, enter or not. But, on 

 the other hand, if this were done, the entries would 

 not be nearly so numerous, and the receipts smaller 

 in proportion ; but in such a show as Birmingham, 

 where the Committee have a good balance in hand, 

 it would not much matter. At any rate, it is 

 worth the trial. The Birmingham Committee is 

 composed of men who are thoroughly well up on 

 the subject, and have, doubtless, good reasons for 

 continuing as they do. 



An attempt was made, some years ago, of judg- 

 ing by points — a thoroughly absurd notion, and one 

 worthy of those from whom it emanated. 



Fancy men who really knew what a dog was, 

 going about with a tape, like a tailor ! Would you 

 see judges of horses or cattle doing this ? Perhaps 

 to take the girth of a bullock it might be, and is 

 done ; but that is all, except weighing them. 

 When the entries are numerous, of course it takes 

 time to judge them. In such a class as the fox- 

 terriers, which is extremely large at Birmingham — 

 this year it being no less than 127, and many of 

 the animals being very evenly balanced — it is any- 

 thing but an easy task ; but with all this, judges 



