226 SOUTHERN rORK PRODUCTION 



known, and the total costs may be figured quite closely. 

 The freight charges are all well known and fixed. There 

 may be some terminal charges, but these are also con- 

 stant, then there may be yardage charges and commission 

 charges, with possibly a few incidentals in the way of 

 telegrams and telephone messages. These improved con- 

 ditions make the business more profitable, and profits are 

 almost guaranteed where certainties have displaced un- 

 certainties to such a large extent. 



Commission houses. — Commission firms on the larger 

 markets are a very necessary adjunct. They are special- 

 ists in securing high prices. The stockyards company 

 usually assigns pens or lots to each firm, and the firms 

 then employ a force to see that their consignments re- 

 ceive prompt attention in the way of rest, feed and water. 

 Frequently they may receive a large number of cars of 

 mixed stuffs. They may take these and grade and classify 

 them and secure appreciably better prices. Then they 

 pay each consignor just what his hogs totaled, although 

 they may have been sold in three or four different lots 

 in order to secure a larger sum for the consignment. 

 The live stock commission business on the southern mar- 

 kets has not yet advanced to the same stage of develop- 

 ment as on northern and western markets. When there 

 are several commission firms, the particular one to be 

 patronized will be largely a matter of taste. Some ship- 

 pers occasionally split consignments and are thereby 

 enabled to determine which firms secure the best prices. 

 As soon as a good firm is found it is generally advisable 

 to stick to them as long as they maintain their reputation, 

 for they will be better able to advise and assist in mak- 

 ing shipments at the most opportune time. 



