MARKETING BROOM CORN. 21 



Bale weights and wagon-scale weights are used, depending some- 

 what on where the broom corn is marketed. At points where market- 

 ing is extensive the bales are weighed singly on small platform scales 

 and the individual weights recorded. The total weight is then found 

 and settlement made at the price stipulated. Wagon scales are em- 

 ployed more generally in smaller markets or at shipping points where 

 the broom corn is hauled directly to cars for shipment. Bale weights 

 have proved more satisfactory at country points than weights ob- 

 tained from weighing the entire load, yet a great deal of the broom 

 corn is still weighed by the load. Wagon scales are used generally 

 for grain, live stock, and other farm products and are conveniently 

 located at nearly all shipping points. Their use for weighing broom 

 corn has become general except at points where this commodity is 

 extensively handled through warehouses. While well-regulated 

 wagon scales render efficient service, the variations are often the cause 

 of much contention. 



Platform scales are of especial advantage because bale weights are 

 desired. In making shipments it is customary to place a tag on each 

 bale, showing from whom it is purchased, together with the weight, 

 so that any irregularities that may develop later may be traced,. 

 Weighing on wagon scales, of course, gives only the net weight of the 

 load, which makes reweighing of each of the bales necessary if any 

 irregularities in the individual bale weights are to be found. 



Buyers on a street market invariably judge broom corn by sam- 

 pling. The three essential factors considered are length, colcr, and 

 fiber. The custom is to pull from the various bales of each load 

 enough brush to have a representative sample of the quality of the 

 load in question (a good-sized handful usually is obtained). This 

 is then inspected, taking into consideration the factors mentioned, 

 the percentage of each kind obtained, and the general quality of 

 the offering with regard to baling and freeness from trash and seed. 

 The classification and sampling of broom corn are discussed more 

 fully on page 25. 



FIELD BUYING. 



Field buying is extensively practiced in all districts, whether or 

 not street markets are operated. Because of the long distance broom 

 corn must be hauled in some sections, or the uncertainty of effect- 

 ing satisfactory sales at shipping points, or unsatisfactory street 

 markets, many farmers prefer to sell on the farms, and many dealers 

 go out into the country to buy. 



While devoid of competition, this method often results in more 

 satisfaction to the growers, for the reason that they feel themselves 

 to be masters of the situation. It is generally felt, too, that the 

 incentive to buy is greater when the dealers drive through the coun- 



