342 



THE GRAIN TRADE 



of them can qualify as purely cooperative corporations. Elevators 

 of this kind are rapidly increasing in numbers. (2) Independent 

 Elevators. Many local grain dealers usually individuals own 

 and operate grain elevators, depending for their patronage on their 

 standing and reputation in the community. (3) Line Elevators. 

 At the terminal markets are certain large corporations engaged in 

 one or more branches of the grain trade, and corporations of this 

 kind often own and operate a large number of country elevators, 

 or "line elevators" as they are familiarly called. Line elevator 

 companies in the United States operate all the way from ten to 



FIG. 69. Country grain elevator in North Dakota. 



six hundred country houses apiece. Elevators of this kind are 

 rapidly decreasing in numbers, being bought out in part by farmers' 

 companies and in part by flour milling corporations. 



When the grain is once delivered at the local elevator at once 

 there emerge the problems of inspecting and grading, financing 

 and storing, and of transportation. Since ninety-five per cent 

 of the farmers part with their grain at the country elevator and 

 receive their pay in cash, it is unavoidably necessary for the man- 

 ager to grade this grain. The price he receives at the terminal or 

 other market will be governed by the grade there. Uniformity of 

 grain grades has been established by the United States Grain 

 Standards Act of August 11, 1916. Wheat, for instance, is divided 



