ffmTS ON EXHIBITION VEGETABLES. 147 



ever, more than four competitors obtain 140 points or upwards a 

 prize is given to every such competitor. All prizes are ab the 

 rate of one penny per point according to the judges' award. 



If examples are needed to make the above clear, take two 

 Centres. In one eleven men gained 140 marks and upwards, and 

 eleven prizes at one penny per point were awarded ; total, 

 £8 5s. 5d. In the other only two men gained more than 90 marks, 

 and consequently only two prizes were given ; total, £l 2s. 4d. 



It is of the greatest importance that the system of judging 

 which is practised should be thoroughly understood. This one 

 is as simple as it is practical^ and it is applied with the utmost 

 exactness and care. 



In the first place a careful estimate is formed of the respective 

 quantities of the different crops. Sometimes a competitor re- 

 duces the quantity of his Potatoes or other leading crop in 

 order to get in a number of comparatively unimportant things, 

 under the impression that as he will get marks for the Potatoes 

 just the same he must necessarily be the gainer. A sharp look- 

 out is kept for this, and the scheme is thwarted by deducting 

 points under the head of order and system. I never conclude 

 the judging of a plot of ground without counting up the number 

 of rows of the principal crops, and if there is a. serious shortage 

 marks are taken off. 



In the second place attention is paid by the judge to the pro- 

 vision made for securing the longest possible succession of pro- 

 duce. It is considered a fault if all the Peas are coming in to- 

 gether. It is considered a merit if good judgment in the 

 selection of varieties and the times of sowing results in securing 

 Peas for several successive weeks. Points are given for good 

 cropping if the place of failing crops is immediately filled with 

 young stuff. There should not be a glut at one time and a 

 scarcity at another, but there ought always to be a supply of 

 vegetables ready for use. Over€rowding is a defect. 



During the past seven years I have judged 5,000 gardens and 

 allotments on this system, and it has been found to work with 

 perfect success. 



In judging vegetable produce at shows the following prin- 

 ciples are observed : — 



Broad Beans should open crisply, and display tender seeds. 

 Pods which show black-eyed seeds are not liked. 



Kidney Beans, both runner and dwarf, should be even in size, 

 of good colour, and brittle. Pods that will not snap under 

 pressure without discharging a large seed like a bullet, or which 

 are stringy, are passed. 



Beet should be of mediiim size, fangless, and show a dark 

 red colour when cut. Very large, coarse, fangy roots, which 

 frequently cut pale, are usually passed. 



Cabbage should be of medium size, free from caterpillar, and 



