BUREAU OF MARKETS AND CROP ESTIMATES. 527 



classes common white and white chib into one class, to be known as 

 white wheat. The designation of the subclass red walla was changed 

 to western red. 



Combining the white wheats into one class served a very useful 

 purpose, in view of the change effected in the method of doing ex- 

 port business in this wheat from the Pacific coast. The adoption 

 and use of so-called Portland Chamber of Commerce type samples 

 had long been a source of complaint from producers in the Northwest. 

 It had been the practice of exporters to purchase wheat from pro- 

 ducers on the basis of Federal grades and then export it on the 

 basis of type samples. After meeting with interested parties it 

 was concluded that the manner in which these type samples were 

 being employed was not only uneconomic but in effect established a 

 system of grades other than Federal grades and consequently was 

 prohibited by law. Accordingly, the Secretary ordered that their 

 use be discontinued on June 30, 1922. The change in the standards 

 will be helpful to these exporters in that much wheat that would 

 otherwise grade mixed will be given a straight class designation 

 under the standards. Moreover, the use of the Federal grades by ex- 

 porters as the basis of contract may be expected to reflect back to pro- 

 ducers the benefits of market prices for grain of the different grades. 



Of the outstanding difliculties encountered in inspection work 

 mention may be made of the heat-damaged and weevily wheat in the 

 Southwest and damage to corn east of the Mississippi River. These 

 problems w€re approached with the cooperation of the inspectors and 

 the trade, with the result that our statistical data compiled at general 

 field headquarters show that notwithstanding the adverse condi- 

 tions there resulted improved inspection accuracy for both wheat 

 and corn over that which obtained during the previous year. Through 

 a closel}'^ knit field organization checking intermarket movement of 

 grain from primar}^ markets through terminal markets in the Middle 

 West, via the Lakes to the Atlantic seaboard and to Gulf ports for 

 export, a high degree of uniformity was attained. For the most part 

 this was accomplished by cooperation of licensed inspectors and in- 

 spection departments, although in some instances it was found neces- 

 sary to take corrective measures. Charges were preferred against 

 21 inspector for misgrading grain or otherwise violating the regula- 

 tions. Formal hearings were accorded 18 inspectors and appropriate 

 disciplinary action taken by way of suspension or revocation of li- 

 censes and placing the licensees on probation. 



Findings of the Secretary were i)ublished in seven cases involving 

 misrepresentations as to the grade of grain, fraudulent alteration of 

 inspection certificates, and "plugging" cars with inferior grain. 

 Other cases investigated were either pending at the close of the year 

 or disposed of without formal action. Fifteen cases were recom- 

 mended for prosecution under the criminal section of the law and are 

 now receiving the consideration of the Solicitor of the Department. 



RESEARCH STUDIES OF THE HANDLING. MARKETING, AND STANDARDIZAHGN 



OF GRAIN. 



The division leader was assisted in this work by E. G. Boerner. 



During the year the tentative grades for grain sorghums were put in 

 mimeographed form and distributed to the trade. These standards 

 have been adopted by boards of trade and inspection departments in 



