BUREAU OF MARKETS. 445 



nomic study of gr:iin, hay, ami seed marketing at producing centers 

 and large central markets, and of their further sale to the consuming 

 public. The information thus obtained should be useful to the vari- 

 ous agencies engaged in marketing and distributing such products, 

 and it should suggest constructive methods of improving the service. 

 Heretofore the work has been confined largely to grain marketing 

 problems, but during the past fiscal year it has been broadened to in- 

 clude active work with both hay and seed marketing. 



MARKETING GEAIX AT COUNTRY POINTS. 



The general study of the grain handling methods practiced at 

 country shipping points, as affecting all branches of the grain trade, 

 ■which has been carried on since the inauguration of this work, has 

 resulted in the publication of Department Bulletin 558, Marketing 

 Grain at Country Points. It is believed that the information so 

 accumulated, which will be placed at the disposal of the producers 

 and shippers of grain throughout the country, will prove of material 

 assistance to them by bringing to their attention knowledge of the 

 conditions and practices prevailing in the marketing of grain at 

 country points. 



TERMINAL MARKET PRACTICE. 



The terminal marketing investigations undertaken during t-lie past 

 fiscal year have included the organization of boards of trade and 

 chambers of commerce, the uniformity and equity of trade rules, 

 terminal charges, methods of weighing, inspection and grading 

 charges, and the services rendered by brokers, track buyers, ware- 

 housemen, and others engaged in the handling of grain at terminal 

 markets. This Avork has been conducted with a view to determining 

 the relation of the different practices to the problems of distributing 

 the grain crop of the country, to the end that abuse and unfair proce- 

 dure may be eliminated and uniform and economic conditions prevail. 

 As a result of this and other work of the bureau, inspection and 

 grading charges heretofore assessed have been lowered in many 

 instances and made the same for all for whom the services are 

 performed. The practice of assessing brokerage charges at fixed 

 rates per bushel also has been changed at practically all markets to a 

 percentage basis, at the suggestion of the Department of Agriculture, 

 and the result has been highly satisfactory to all members of the 

 trade. 



MARKETING GRAIN AND HAY IN THE EAST AND SOUTH. 



The work he.re'tofore undertaken in the East and South has been 

 continued. Studies have been conducted of the functions performed 

 by exchanges, jobbers, brokers, and retailers; cost of distribution; 

 difference between Avholesale and retail prices, cash and credit trans- 

 actions, delivery and door prices. Contact has been maintained with 

 the conditions existing in all sections with reference to the marketing 

 of grain and hay. 



Particular attention has been given to hay-marketing activities in 

 the East and South, though this phase of the. work has been extended 



