There is a very general impression in the minds of judges that the method here advocated would be a great waste of time; and on one occasion, at the recent show of bull dogs by the club specially formed for their improvement, the judge thought it necessary to retire for several hours in order to fill up his book. Now, this proceeding was simply absurd) because the only thing which could possibly be done in the absence of the dog was to cast up the score made when examining them, and that process could not occupy more than a few minutes. The fact, I have no doubt, was that he was nervous at having to define his opinions on the several points; but a really well informed judge ought surely to have no such feeling. Having myself tried the experiment several times, I find that I can easily set down the points of six dogs, previously selected, in half an hour, exercising the greatest care, whilst in most cases I can do it in half that time; and I am quite sure that in all important classes fully half an hour is occupied by the usual rule of thumb process.

The following tabular form is suggested as the most convenient. The figures in italics are those supposed to be filled in by the judge.

By inserting the points given at the end of each article in the following chapter, instead of those of the pointer, a series of scales may easily be compiled for the use of judges.

Disqualifications

In consequence of the uncertainty prevailing as to what shall be considered a proper ground of disqualification, the Kennel Club have recently (1881) appointed a committee to report to them on the subject. Their report has been accepted, but up to the time of this sheet going to press, it has not been embodied in any definite code of rules. I may, however, state that the old practice of disqualifying for dyeing or faking is to be continued, and that the removing of the tips of retrievers' tails, and the use of blacking or flour are in future not to be allowed.