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.

(4) _Conditions_: Refers to the degree of ripeness. An apple
to be in perfect condition should be firm for the variety
and free from the withering that comes when apples are
picked too green or when the fruit is over-ripe or has not
been stored properly.

(5) _Freedom from bl