THE MARKETING OF PRODUCE 325 



handed to the clerk, who subsequently 

 passes it to the auctioneer. 



All goods purchased at the auction must 

 be paid for in cash ; credit is seldom given. 

 A purchaser is also required to leave a 

 deposit to cover the value of the sacks, 

 baskets or other packages. 



The auctioneer is in each case the president 

 of the branch society. He receives nothing 

 for his services, as the post is considered 

 one of honour. The only paid officer of the 

 society is the clerk. 



The funds of the society are derived from 

 a yearly subscription of is. 8d. per member, 

 and from a commission charged on the amount 

 realised for the goods sold. 



In the case of what are known as large 

 auctions, which include large consignments 

 of potatoes, Brussels sprouts, beans, peas, 

 gooseberries and plums, purchased by sample, 

 the commission is fixed at i per cent., and 

 for small auctions or sales of small quantities 

 of grapes, fruit, cucumbers and other pro- 



