THE SCORE CARD AND ITS USE 21 



score cards which describe and measure the parts and 

 characteristics of the types of animals, are as a rule more 

 systematic and better balanced than those applied to most 

 of the breeds. The scales of points of some breeds, as 

 established by breed associations, are open to severe criti- 

 cism. They lack in orderly arrangement, in clearness of 

 description, and in logical measure of value. Therefore it 

 will be a wise policy for young judges to begin score card 

 work with the scales of points applied to the types, such 

 as are in common use in agricultural schools and colleges, 

 an example of which is to be found on page 62. System- 

 atic judging is promoted by first considering the general 

 appearance, which involves the animal as a whole, includ- 

 ing height, weight, general form, quality, character and 

 temperament. After this the different parts, in proper 

 order, are carefully examined and rated. The detailed 

 study of head, next the neck, then the breast, and so on, 

 with their relations to each other, requires the measure- 

 ments of the smaller details. This relationship of one part 

 to another, must be considered, that one may get a fair 

 idea of the strong and weak points in the conformation. 

 The relative values of the parts of the scale of points 

 are somewhat variable. The standard of excellence for a 

 breed has, in most cases, been drawn up by a committee of 

 men appointed for that purpose, by a breeders' associa- 

 tion, whose work has been endorsed and adopted by the 

 members of the same. As a rule the scale of points rep- 

 resents the work of well-known breeders, who are quite 

 familiar with the breed. Thus, through the scale, one 

 should obtain the most intelligent and comprehensive 

 analysis of the breed, in which the relative values of the 

 parts are set forth. The score card in this case will show 

 what parts are most highly valued, and which of least 

 importance. If we are using a score card for mutton 

 sheep, as applied to type rather than breed, such as 

 is in common use in the classroom, it will be seen that 

 experts have endeavored to give essentially correct 



