66 The Dog Book 



class is judged and then the next is sent for, in place of having some one on 

 the outside getting in readiness the class ahead. Often more time is lost 

 in getting classes into the ring than in placing the dogs. 



Modern judging customs call for a large-numbered card slipped over 

 the arm with an elastic, or fastened with a string in some simple manner. 

 This number corresponds to that of the dog held by the man with the card, 

 and enables spectators to know something of what is going on — that is, 

 providing the ring-steward sees to it that the winning numbers are posted 

 on the ring bulletin-board, which is a most essential feature of an up-to- 

 date show. 



It was my experience to be one of many called upon to decide specials 

 at a show held a few years ago, when, owing to the lack of all-around knowl- 

 edge on the part of the majority, specials for the best dog and best brace, 

 and such as best owned by a lady or best local, went very much astray. 

 The result was that I advocated in the kennel press that special judging of 

 this nature should be given to the best all-around judge on the staff of the 

 show. It is gratifying to say that this is now becoming the custom, and it has 

 given much satisfaction. Of course, this judge has to accept the regular 

 class-judging, and must not reverse what has already been done by any of his 

 associates. The special-prize judge should not, however, be the same indi- 

 vidual that may have officiated at shows held immediately prior. Exhib- 

 itors are entitled to a change, for there is plenty of room for difference of 

 opinion in this class of specials. 



The judging being finished, it is necessary now to mark up the winnings 

 on the index record book, and this is done from a correctly marked catalogue. 

 After which the record book is turned over to the treasurer, who, according 

 to the custom at American shows, posts a notice specifying at what hour 

 on the last day he will be in attendance to pay off the prizes. Those present 

 at the show in charge of the dogs then sign opposite the names of the owners 

 on the index-book for the money won, and when this is done the business 

 between exhibitor and show is finished, except in the case of checks to be 

 sent to those not represented at the show. 



Last of all comes the passing the dogs out on the closing night, and 

 shipping back those which have been received by express, which are matters 

 of detail calling for no instructions. 



During the past two seasons summer shows have become exceedingly 

 popular, and as the expense is far less than at the more pretentious spring 



