MARKETING OF GRAIN 389 



is covered over with grain of better quality, more samples 

 are taken in order to get as near as possible a composite 

 sample representative of the car as a whole. 



414. Samples are taken with a long, hollow tube with 

 holes regularly arranged along the side. A plunger fits 

 into the tube, closing up the openings along the side. 

 In taking a sample, the tube is pushed down into the grain 

 and the plunger is then removed. This allows the grain 

 to run into the tube through the holes in the side, and thus 

 a sample is obtained containing grain from various depths 

 in the car. If the car is damaged or leakage has occurred, 

 the collector notes the amount lost and the condition of the 

 car, which information is of use to the owner in an attempt 

 to collect damages from the railroad. The grade given a 

 sample of grain by the inspectors is used as a basis for 

 sale. If the shipper is not satisfied with the grade given 

 by the inspectors, he may appeal the decision to a board of 

 arbitration made up usually of members of the grain 

 exchange. This board has the power to regrade the sam- 

 ple, their decision being final. 



415. Methods of sale. At the terminal markets 

 there are usually organized grain exchanges, which are 

 organizations of individuals interested in the sale or pur- 

 chase of grain, who meet regularly for the transaction of 

 business. The place of meeting for the transaction of 

 sales is usually called the " floor " or the " pit." Men 

 who have grain to sell or who desire to purchase may go 

 on the floor in person if they are members of the exchange. 

 More frequently, however, sales are made through com- 

 mission men. Commission men are persons who act as 

 agents for the seller or buyer, and receive as their com- 

 pensation a stipulated commission, usually 1 to 3 per cent 

 of the cash value of the transaction. The amount a 



