6i6 



MAIZE 



CHAP. 

 XII. 



theless only half the truth, and therefore is misleading from the 

 points of view of the producer and exporter. Further inquiry 

 from the same source elicits the information that while the 

 merchant can sell any sort of maize, in any condition, sales 

 will depend on two important factors, (i) the price, and (2) 

 the quantity available. London is described as " the cheapest 

 grain market in the world," and the ready sale of produce in 

 that market depends on the price at which it can be delivered. 

 It is, furthermore, much easier to sell whole cargoes than small 



Fig. 213. — Interior of the Baltic Exchange, London. 

 (Courtesy of the Secretary.) 



"parcels" of say 400 quarters, i.e. 1,000 bags. The latter, if 

 of good quality and condition, are bought up for special lines 

 of trade, and as there are fewer buyers for these special in- 

 dustries than in the general market, small parcels are not 

 placed so readily, though they often command a better price 

 than low grade material. 



For countries having a long and relatively expensive journey 

 to the European market, it is desirable to export the article 

 which will bring the best price and the largest profit after de- 



