CHAPTER XVIII 

 LIVE-STOCK SHOWS 



Stress has already been laid on the fact that the selec- 

 tion of breeding stock is a more important phase of the 

 judging of animals than that which is done in the show 

 ring. The great, even though lesser, importance of the 

 latter should not be underestimated, however. The show 

 ring has been a most influential agency in promoting the 

 live-stock interests and in improving the class of stock 

 bred. 



313. The benefits of the stock show concern two 

 classes of people, those who show and those who go. To 

 the former, it constitutes the best advertising medium 

 available. There is no better means of getting one's 

 stock before those people to whom it is of greatest interest. 

 It furnishes, to the exhibitors, also, an excellent oppor- 

 tunity to indulge in a most wholesome competition, and 

 finally, although of least importance after a full accounting 

 is' taken, it may be a source of revenue in cash prizes. 



Those who go to the shows in the capacity of spectators 

 only, derive merely entertainment in return for their 

 admission fee, but there are usually in attendance at the 

 shows a great many stock men whose singleness of pur- 

 pose is to learn of live stock. To these the show is a 

 great exposition of market and breed types ; of most 

 approved systems of breeding and methods of feeding. 

 It affords inspiration to the ambitious stock man, then 

 demonstrates the best means of attaining success. This 



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