SHIPPING 



missions between Chicago and the Euro- 

 pean cities named. Methods of handling 

 have been so perfected that from the time 

 the western farmer places the bundle of 

 wheat at the mouth of the threshing 

 machine the grain literally flows through 

 the channels of trade until it reaches the 

 flour sack. On an average the English 

 miller pays about 20 cents a bushel more for 

 wheat than the American farmer receives 

 for it. 



The cost of distributing many other farm 

 products is greater, although the range of 

 distribution is much less. The cost of haul- 

 age and selling potatoes is from 25 to 50% 

 of the retail price, while with hay it is still 

 higher. The cost of distributing all forms 

 of truck and market garden produce is high 

 and often wasteful. Many attempts have 

 been made to eliminate a part of this cost 

 as well as to better the conditions of the 

 supplies when they reach the consumer. 

 While many individuals have been quite 

 successful in dealing directly with the con- 

 sumer, little has thus far been accomplished 

 211 



