238 



The Illustrated Book of Poultry. 



VALUE OF DEFECTS IN JUDGING. 



Standard of Ferfeclion. 



A bird ideally perfect in shape, size, colour, liead ard 

 comb, cushion or saddle, leg-feathers, tail, &c., and 

 in perfect health and condition, to count in points . 



If of extraordinary size, add on that account «» . . 



loo 

 S 



« To add to an "ideal'* number may ^eem atsurd. Tn the case of 

 most points it would be so : but as regards size, there is a fair average 

 standard which entitles a bird to be called perfect on that account, while 

 yet any excess ought to count in its favour. 



Defects to be Deducted. 



Dad head and comb ....... lo 



Want of hackle 5 



,, ,, cushion ........ 8 



,,„ fluff 7 



,, ,, leg-feather ; 7 



Vulture-hocks *,....... 20 



Bad shape or carriage of tail ..... 6 



White in tail (where objectionable) .... 6 



Primaries out of order * ...... 15 



Curved toes 7 



Stain of white in deaf-ear ...... 6 



Faulty colour or marking ...... 24 



Want of size ......... 20 



,, ,, general symmetry ...... 15 



,, ,, condition . . . . , . . 12 



(if total) 35 



* This refers to primaries merely "slipped"' outside the wing. For 

 primaries actually twisted on their axes, see list of disqualifications below. 



Disqualifications. — Birds not at least tolerably matched. Primary wing-feathers twisted on their axes. Utter absence of 

 leg-feather in either one or more birds. Badly twisted or falling combs. Legs of any colour but yellow or dusky yellow. 

 Black spots in Buffs. Brown mottling (if conspicuous) in Partridge cocks, or pale breasts destitute of pencilling in Partridge 

 hens. White or black feathers in Cuckoos. Crooked backs, wry tails, or any other actual deformity. Any fraudulent dyeing, 

 dressing, or trimming. 



It is only ncces.sary to make one remark — which would equally apply to all others — respecting 

 the use of such a scale as is here given. The values are intended to represent — not total failure, 

 which would in many cases disqualify (for instance, a bird with a comb as bad as coitld be would 

 have no right whatever to a prize) — but such defect as may exist without debarring the bird from 

 competition. Then the degree of defect must be estimated by the individual who applies the scale, 

 who will deduct as near the total number of points for each defect as he thinks warranted. Hence 

 there must still be room for individual judgment and difference of opinion ; and even with the 

 scales in hand, it will take experience and knowledge to make a good judge. 



It will in practice be found that a bird which retains, after all deductions, a value of eighty-six 

 points, has a good chance of first prize, while ninety points will make winning almost certain, 

 except in very severe competition. Eighty points will often secure second or third prize in very 

 good classes. 



• Some judges consider this a disqualification. We have in particular the very highest respect for Mr. Hewitt's opinion on 

 this matter ; but we still think that if a bird is good enough, otherwise, to win against twenty points // deserves to do so. Several 

 good judges think with us, and even Mr. Hewitt has been known to unite in giving prizes to decidedly hocked birds. 



