176 PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 



returns are not high the expenses of this form of ship- 

 ment are also moderate. The poultryman should watc.i 

 the fluctuations of the market and ship only when the 

 conditions are favorable. The merchant will usually 

 supply a regular shipper with weekly published market 

 quotations and the poultryman will also find them in tne 

 newspapers. If the producer finds a good commission 

 merchant, who handles his products well, sends prompt 

 returns at fair prices and treats him right as to crates, 

 breakage, etc., then this method of marketing may prove 

 very satisfactory. 



If the poultryman's goods are first class and sent in 

 good condition regularly he may get an advance on 

 usual market prices. 



Reliable commission men, who do a large business 

 in prime poultry products, appreciate highly the consign- 

 ments of poultrymen who send them only the best eggs 

 and chickens, regularly and in large quantities. 



BARTER OB EXCHANGE. 



If the farmer finds it undesirable to dispose of his 

 poultry products in any of these ways he may still be 

 able to secure better returns than by following the old 

 way if he will see to it that the eggs are clean, fresh 

 and frequently delivered to the village dealer. 



The chickens may well be sold before the bulk of 

 the poultry goes upon the fall market. 



By keeping posted as to market prices he may at 

 least avoid being beaten down in price by an unscrupu- 

 lous dealer. 



He may also become posted as to the goods which he 

 takes in exchange for his products. Local grocers are 

 usually willing to supply standard goods of the brands 

 desired. 



The bulletins and reports of the department of agri- 

 culture, the experiment stations and state food commis- 

 sioners or inspectors will keep the farmer and poultry- 

 keeper informed as to brands of food that are adulter- 

 ated. In exchange for his good eggs and chickens the 



