52 METHODS IN JUDGING AND SELECTION 



which are normally constituted, although less perfect than 

 those made so bj' superficial alterations. 



There are several very satisfactory operations which may 

 be performed without marring the appearance of the animal 

 or without causing abrasions of any kind. These conditions 

 should be carefully observed in examining an animal. 

 Usually close examination will reveal any alteration of 

 structure from an operation. It is highly important, there- 

 fore, that the student become familiar with the natural 

 structural form and condition of the animal in order that 

 he may determine any unusual alteration of the nature 

 suggested. 



One of the most common operations is that known as 

 "bishoping" the teeth to make an animal appear younger 

 than otherwise. This consists in burning artificial cups in the 

 teeth which normally develop and disappear in the animal 

 between the ages of five and eleven years. This condition 

 is often used to advantage to make an old animal appear 

 young and thus sell more profitably. Another operation, 

 quite often performed, is that of injecting air beneath the 

 skin to make the animal appear full and plump. This may 

 be done to fill out the hollows above the eyes which appear 

 with old age. It may also be used to improve the condition 

 of a once "sweenied" shoulder or atrophied muscles in other 

 parts. Nerving or nerve cutting is also practised to prevent 

 lameness. 



Functional Points in Judging and Selection. — In judging 

 animals in the show ring the exterior points of merit are 

 largely the sole basis on which decisions are made. However, 

 in the actual selection of some animals, especially horses, 

 there are certain points which are vitally important in 

 estimating future usefulness. Selection, as specifically differ- 

 entiated from animal judging, brings into use certain pre- 

 liminary qualifications for detection. Real selection, for 

 the purpose of learning all of the good and bad points, 

 has underlying determinations which must necessarily be 

 determined outside of the class room or judging ring. While 

 attention should be given to these factors in other animals 

 they are not equally important. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



