DEFINITE GKADE STAND AKDS. 13 



consumers of raw cereals, are forced by competition to learn the rela- 

 tive values of the various lots of grain offered for sale. Science has 

 aided these men in determining the best kinds of grain for their vari- 

 ous purposes and how they may be distinguished. These manufac- 

 turers and consumers are the men who actually and finally determine 

 relative values in cereals, and the discriminations which they make 

 and the elements which they consider in selecting their material should 

 be the basis used by the grain inspectors in their work. 



All grain is intended ultimately for consumption, and the number of 

 times it may be bought and sold between the time of its production 

 and consumption makes no change in this fact. The apprehension that 

 uniform or accurate grading of grain may in any way interfere with 

 extensive grain dealing, either actual or speculative, is entirely with- 

 out foundation. On the other hand, such grading should help the trade 

 by eliminating in a great measure one of the largest sources of mis- 

 understanding and consequent loss, and would give to those who main- 

 tain such a s} T stem a decided advantage in the world's markets over 

 those who do not. 



DEFINITE GRADE STANDARDS. 



One of the first needs of the grain trade in this country is to have 

 the grade requirements accurately stated and the grade limits accu- 

 rately defined. Grain grades, if they mean anything; mean definite 

 relative values. 



The chief trouble at present with this grading work is that the 

 inspectors who have to pass upon and accept or reject the grain deliv- 

 ered for a certain grade have no definite standard for guidance — no 

 means of knowing what the grade requirements really are. They have 

 in most cases only their unaided judgment. An appeal from this judg- 

 ment must go to a board of appeals or to the grain committee con- 

 trolling the inspection department, In either case the deputy inspector 

 has insufficient opportunity for checking up his work. 



In view of the difficulties under which it is done, it is remarkable 

 that the work of the various inspection departments in the commercial 

 grading of grain is not even less successful and satisfactory than is 

 now the case. Without favorable opportunities for educating their 

 judgment, inspectors have nevertheless developed marked ability for 

 determining both quality and condition of grain by actual commercial 

 experience. As the inspector has almost no definite guide for his 

 work, but must use his own unaided judgment, he should not be too 

 severely criticized if the character of his work fluctuates from time to 

 time, particularly since, as has already been stated, he is often called 

 upon to pass his judgment very hurriedly and under adverse conditions 

 of weather and light. In cases where grain is inspected and graded 

 into elevators or for sale on track, an inspector, even one having 



