208 



THE BOOK OF THE ROSE 



CHAP. 



judges must take care that their standard remains 

 unaltered ; the fall in the scale is often very gradual, 

 but a frequent reference to the chosen standard, which 

 one of the judges might carry in its tube, will prevent 

 any lowering or raising of the ideal. 



In cases of equality, or when in a large class only a 

 point or two of difference is found between two stands, 

 it is well to " point " them over again, beginning at the 

 other end of each. If still there is little difference, 

 taking the boxes down and holding them with their 

 long sides touching, in closer juxtaposition, will some- 

 times throw additional light on the matter. Viewing 

 them at a little distance may sometimes give another 

 point of comparison ; and if the verdict should still be 

 doubtful, arrangement, neatness, foliage and even moss 

 may help to turn the scale. In such extreme cases, 

 however, it is better to judge them as equal where the 

 prizes are money and can be divided : if a cup be in 

 question, of course one must be declared the winner. 



I went once some little distance to a show solely as 

 judge, there being no class suited to me. The prize 

 was a cup for forty-eight, and there was no second or 

 other prize whatever. I was the only judge, and the 

 exhibitors were two noted rival nurserymen of the very 

 first calibre. I was shut up quite alone in the tent, 

 and proceeded to my task with cheerfulness, not know- 

 ing what was in store for me. I " pointed " each bloom 

 with great pains, and took care not to add up the total 

 of the first stand till I had done the other, lest I should 

 be insensibly influenced. To my horror they came out 

 exactly equal. I went through them again from the other 

 end and this time I did get about one and a half points' 

 difference, but still felt that the second judgment was 

 not quite so trustworthy, as I might be unconsciously 



