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 25 Uniformity 25 Freedom from blemish 20 ---- 100 DIRECTIONS FOR JUDGING PLATES OF APPLES IN AN EXHIBITION Following are directions and explanations issued to judging teams in exhibition contests, by an agricultural college: (1) _Form_: The shape and conformation of the apples on any one plate should be typical for the variety, the region of growth being somewhat considered. All specimens on a plate should be uniform in shape. When competition is close, a careful comparison of the more minute characteristics of the basin, cavity and stem are made. (2) _Size_: The specimens on any one plate should be uniform in size and of the size most acceptable on the market for the variety. A plate may be marked down for being either under or over the accepted commercial size. In many exhibits, the ideal size is given in the premium announcements. (3) _Colors_: All specimens in an entry should be uniformly colored in the way that is considered perfect for the variety in the district where grown. In judging color, one should consider (_a_) the depth and attractiveness of the ground color, (_b_) the brightness and attractiveness of the over-color, (_c_) the amount of the over-color. In a yellow or green apple, the yellow or green should be clear and even all over, considering the maturity of the specimen. In varieties that are typically blushed, (e. g., Maiden Blush) the specimens should show a distinct tinge of red on the cheek exposed to the sun. With such apples as Rhode Island Greening, that are only sometimes blushed, the presence or absence of the blush should not detract except that the apples on any one plate should be uniform. With apples typically over-colored, an intense color for the variety is desirable. The _bloom_ may be wiped from apples, but in no case should polished specimens be given the preference. Some exhibits have special rules regarding polishing of apples.