34 BULLETIN" 979, TJ. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



switch and resell or even to resell on unloading- tracks and pay 

 demurrage. 



It is thought that these unfair practices on the part of both the 

 shipper and the buyer can be greatly reduced by an impartial in- 

 spection and grading system, based upon uniform standards that 

 are understood alike by both buyer and seller. 



Plug Teack Sales. 



In order to overcome some of the difficulties of other methods of 

 sales several large markets, including Kansas City, Cincinnati, and 

 Omaha, have established " plug " yards. They have been termed 

 " plug " yards because the cars offered for sale there are " plugged," 



-t'iG. 5. — Selling hay at Plug Yards by the auction method. The hay piled outside the 

 car is called the " ping." The man on the hay is acting as auctioneer. 



i. e., a plug consisting of 15 to 50 bales is taken out of the car and 

 placed outside so that the buyer can determine better the character 

 of the hay in the car. 



The methods of selling hay at the plug yards differ somewhat at 

 the various markets. At most places, except Cincinnati, the actual 

 selling is carried on in practically the same manner as sales at the 

 car door. The method is considered more satisfactory than sales at 

 the car door, however, for the reason that the buyer can see a good 

 representative sample of the hay he is buying. When 30 to 50 bales 

 are removed from the car there is a good opportunity to see whether 

 the hay runs uniform or not (fig. 5). 



Each day the buyers and sellers meet at the plug tracks and con- 

 summate sales. The buyers examine the different cars offered, and 



