18 BULLETIN 1124, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



liable information, and because of the desirability of familiarizing 

 consumers and dealers with actual conditions and prices in the prin- 

 cipal markets. 



Constant use of this information by buyers and sellers will result 

 in a fairly comprehensive idea about conditions in general and in 

 ability to interpret and use this information to advantage. 



Much that upon first glance appears inconsistent, such as the wide 

 difference in prices between various markets, soon becomes entirely 

 clear if freight rates and existing conditions are taken into con- 

 sideration. 



It is not necessary to point out the advantage of a general knowl- 

 edge of conditions, particularly when buyers have ample storage 

 facilities and offerings are heavy, or when, in case of scant transit 

 offerings, their supplies are sufficient to carry them over for a reason- 

 able period. 



FEEDSTUFFS LAWS. 



The majority of the States have found it necessary to adopt laws 

 regulating the sale and quality of feedstuffs. Unfortunately such 

 laws differ materially in their requirements. The differences have 

 led many mills to center their efforts on selling their feeds only in 

 those territories where their feeds meet legal specifications. This 

 lack of uniformity has seriously impaired a fr^e distribution. In- 

 states where the legal fiber content requirement of wheat feeds has 

 been placed rather low it is extremely difficult for spring- wheat mills 

 to sell their offal. A number of States provide for sales of feeds 

 by net weight. As mills often put up their feed in bags weighing 

 100 pounds gross, they are not allowed to make sales on the basis 

 of 20 sacks of feed to the ton in these States. To overcome this diffi- 

 culty a combined weight of feed and bags is invoiced at a certain 

 price per ton. 



In some States unadulterated wheat bran, middlings, or shorts 

 are not taxed. Other States require neither registration nor license 

 nor registration fee, while still others exact an inspection fee on 

 wheat feeds whether pure or mixed with screenings. 



The few illustrations given indicate that, particularly for a feed 

 dealer or mill doing an extensive business, uniformity in regulations 

 is very much to be desired. 



The registration of feedstuffs, if sold delivered, is imposed upon 

 the seller, who guarantees that the goods sold shall comply with the 

 laws of the State into which they are sold. The registration fee and 

 tax are also paid by the seller. 



The collection of taxes or inspection fees necessary to carry out 

 the laws regulating the sale and inspection of feedstuffs is performed 

 in many ways. A few State laws provide for the payment of such 

 taxes or fees at a nominal sum per ton, the seller to submit annually 

 or semiannually a statement indicating the total feed tonnage sold 

 by him in the State. Whether such States receive the full payment 

 of the taxes due them is doubtful. It is, of course, extremely diffi- 

 cult to enforce collections in case the shippers are situated outside 

 the State and refuse to make payment. 



Other States charge a certain amount for the registration of each 

 feed sold or exposed for sale, while still others require all feeds to 



