al before him merits 6 or 7, more or less. So if
"flavor" in an apple is considered to be worth 20 points of the
hundred, the judge makes up his mind what rating, within that limit,
he shall accord to the fruit he is testing. The arrangement in tabular
form of the features for any product, with the number of points stated
for each, all summing 100, constitutes a "score-card." Thus there may
be a score-card for Merino sheep, another for Shropshires, one for
apples, and for any other objects whatsoever.

At competitive exhibitions, the element of comparison comes in.
Perhaps it is the only criterion to be considered in a particular
case,--whether this apple is better than that or than any number of
others, which of several "plates" or samples of apples merits first
mention, which of two or more collections of varieties is altogether
most worthy of a prize. In these cases, the different fruits or
collections may be scored by the card, and the total footings
determine where the award shall go. Or, the different entries may be
judged in general, "by the eye;" this is the usual method, and is
satisfactory in the hands of persons whose standing and experience
carry conviction.

If one is to evaluate an apple-tree against a scale or code, these are
some of the features, in relative order of importance, to be
considered:

1. Whether the tree is typical of the variety, in shape,
manner of growth, character of foliage and bloom.

2. Whether it is sound of all injury and disease, and free
of blemish.

3. Whether it is duly vigorous and productive.

4. Whether its fruit is characteristic of the variety or
kind.

5. Whether the pruning has been good; the thinning; the
spraying.

6. Whether the performance of the tree has fulfilled
reasonable expectations.

The judging of fruits is facilitated by such score-cards and
explanations as the following:

1. For comparison of different dessert varieties.

Conformation 10
Size 5
Color 20
Core 5
Uniformity 5
Durability (keeping) 10
Condition 5
Freedom from blemish 10
Quality 30
----
100

2. For comparison of plates or samples of the same variety.

Form 15
Size 15
Color