56 



RHODE ISLAND REDS 



unusually numerous entries in each class of some popular 

 breed or variety to take down the numbers of all competing 

 specimens. There are usually many in a class that can be 

 eliminated from competition on the first round of inspection, 

 the remaining good ones can then be considered by the 

 American Poultry World Comparison Rate Card System in 

 much less time and a more satisfactory manner. 



The sample card we have filled out explains the method. 

 But judges or reporters need not necessarily follow our sys- 

 tem of markings; they can substitute their own if they find 

 it more convenient and more valuable as a reminder of what 

 they did to the "poor little bird." In looking over the card 

 please do not imagine that the birds rated have any actual 

 existence or that the show reported was actually held at 

 Buffalo. It is simply an illustration of how to apply the 

 system. In looking over the awards we find No. 30 rated 

 as having 12 x's and No. 23 has the same number. Both- 

 are equally good in shape and color but the comb of No. 23 

 lacks two serrations whereas No. 30 has a five point comb, 

 which makes it a trifle better all around specimen even if it 

 loses a little in size to 23. No. 24 is third because it loses 

 in shape to other two. As noted in "remarks," No. 25 is a 

 fine bird in every respect and equal to first and second, but 

 loses in having broken feathers in wing and tail. Wherever 

 there is a tie in the rating the rules laid down by the American 

 Standard of Perfection should govern the breaking of the 

 tie. The "Outs" are marked "O," a less objectionable way 

 of marking sf, disqualified specimen. 



In applying this method of judging fowls you not only 

 keep in mind the ideal Standard requirements you have 

 formed in your mind, but you are also in a position to get 

 at relative values of competing specimens in a more thorough 

 manner. You may find a beauty of a cockerel i;i shape at 

 the beginning of the class and mark him XXX, believing 

 him to be about the "best ever," but when you get along 

 further and catch sight of another likely fellow you are forced 

 to admit that he is a contender and mark him XXX also. 

 A few steps further you find the "dream of the class," a 

 wonder in style and shape, and it seems the other two, good 

 as they looked to you a few minutes ago, fade away in com- 

 parison with the crackerjack you are now looking at. You 

 can XXXX the latter or cut the other two down to XX 

 and mark the "best yet" XXX. 



The ideals of the mind are subject to change when con- 

 fronted by living ideals in the flesh. You may think you 

 have found the ideal as it exists in your mind in a specimen, 

 but there may be just one bird a little bit better when you 

 get to him. And that is where your careful rating on the 

 card will prove a great help. It will frequently prevent a 

 judge from getting confused in placing the awards in a hot 

 cla,ss. The system is not perfect, no system of judging is, 

 but it will work in a satisfactory manner if carefully and 

 conscientiously followed or applied. 



