POULTRY EXHIBITIONS 539 



variety differences, and also that these differences are largely super- 

 ficial, close competition in eggs and dressed poultry inevitably 

 leads producers to give more attention to uniformity at all points, 

 and, as competitive exhibitors, to insist on classification by breeds 

 and sometimes by varieties. The exhibits of poultry at poultry 

 shows are almost exclusively of live fancy poultry, and this will 

 probably always be the case in the great majority of shows, for the 

 conditions of exhibiting poultry to be judged on appearance and 

 poultry produce to be judged on actual selling value are different, 

 and the possible values of winnings on exhibits of eggs and dressed 

 poultry are comparatively small. In the development of shows the 

 fancy comes first. 



An elementary poultry show. A few competing exhibits and 

 a judge to examine them and make the awards constitute an ele- 

 mentary show. The cost of a judge's services renders it practically 

 necessary that the number of exhibits be large enough to make it 

 worth while to engage a judge. At the seasons (fall and winter) 

 when most shows are held, suitable shelter must be provided for the 

 exhibits brought together. Usually a public hall or a conveniently 

 located vacant storeroom is hired. The expenses for a judge and a 

 hall are the principal items of necessary outlay in holding a small 

 local show. A small amount is required for printing. If a judge 

 can be obtained near by, and if the show is limited, as it should be, 

 to two or, at most, three days, a little show may be held at a total 

 outlay of from twenty-five to thirty dollars. When a judge must be 

 brought from some distance, the cost of judging is much higher, 

 and the average small two-or-three-day show costs from fifty to one 

 hundred dollars for judging, rent, and incidental expenses, all the 

 work connected with it being done, as a rule, by the officers without 

 compensation. 



Financing a show. The small amount of money needed for the 

 preliminary work of a show is usually provided by dues of mem- 

 bers of an association, or advanced by persons interested. The 

 regular receipts come from two sources, — entry fees for exhibits 

 and admission fees of visitors. In a rough division of the business 

 features of the show it is usually calculated that the entry fees for 

 exhibits will pay the judge and the regular premiums, and that, with 

 fair attendance, the door receipts will pay the rent and incidental 



