44 METHODS IN JUDGING AND SELECTION 



scantily covered with flesh, and one with a drooping rump, 

 thin thighs, and high or open twist. This involves an 

 accurate balance of points to determine the relative value 

 of the animals concerned. It involves principles fixed 

 entirely on utility requirements and the comparative value 

 of correlated parts or units from which a conscientious, con- 

 servative judge will not swerve. 



Decisions. — ^The decision is the logical result of the fore- 

 going factors involved in rendering judgment. Decisions 

 should be made promptly, yet with deliberation. A decision 

 once made is charged against the animal knowledge which 

 the judge possesses. Careless decisions not only reflect on 

 the judge but often on the animals and their owner as well. 

 It is a rare thing that a good judge changes a decision if he 

 proceeds understandingly concerning the standard by which 

 the animals are being judged. A misunderstanding of purpose 

 or utility requirements could easily be responsible for a 

 complete reversal of a decision. No other just cause could 

 be advanced for a change of a decision. Keen discrimination 

 and fixed principles are therefore important in analyzing, 

 comparing, and balancing the points under observation, 

 the sum total of which make an honest, accurate decision 

 possible. 



Uniformity of Decisions. — Correct ideals are largely respon- 

 sible for accurate and uniform decisions in the judging ring. 

 Unless the student possesses a keen knowledge of animal 

 form and has a clear vision in balancing the various points 

 of the animals in a class, there is likely to be a serious lack 

 of uniformity in the decisions made. Because of the prob- 

 ability of such a condition, it is exceedingly important that 

 the foundation principles for judging practice be correctly 

 fixed in the mind. This involves, not only a knowledge of 

 the exterior characteristics of the animal, but also. of the 

 vital machinery of digestion, circulation, nerve force, repro- 

 duction, and development. The value of a strong head, a 

 broad muzzle, and capacious chest development, and the 

 relation of them to animal vigor, and a long period of use- 

 fulness, must be fully understood. The value of nervous 

 development, style, action, symmetry of form and handling 



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