CHAPTER III 



DEFINITION AND PROCEDURE 



Judging is not an exact science in which determinations 

 can be made with mathematical precision, but results are 

 more or less approximate, depending upon the accuracy 

 with which observations are made and the correctness of 

 the judgment with which decisions are reached. Dis- 

 crepancies may be due either to inaccuracy in observation, 

 to error in judgment or to both. 



29. Judging. — Judging consists of making a thorough 

 analysis of each individual, then measuring them to a 

 standard — the ideal. Four steps are involved. 



30. Information. — First, information. In order to be 

 consistent a judge must have a definite notion of what 

 constitutes merit. Full information, therefore, as to indi- 

 vidual excellence, market demand, and breed require- 

 ments is essential to insure selection to the correct ideal 

 or measurement to an accepted standard. 



31. Observation. — Second, observation. The study 

 of animal form requires the keenest powers of observation 

 to be exercised with greatest accuracy. The possession of 

 an instrument does not necessarily insure proficiency in 

 its use; one may have acquired a definite mind picture 

 of what he seeks yet fail to recognize it when it is seen. 

 Observation is the appHcation of the standard, the actual 

 measurement of merit by means of which a close estimate 

 or a careful analysis may be made. 



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