THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRODUCE 129 



when the means at command permits the engagement 

 of a responsible manager. In any of these circumstances 

 the system offers many advantages to energetic men ; it 

 permits an absolute control over the whole business ; 

 the grower acquires an exact and first-hand knowledge 

 of the market demands and the state of the trade ; he is 

 able to form a connection that is as valuable as a shop 

 trade, and he sees in what direction he can advance with 

 a prospect of success. He also knows the precise 

 condition of the produce on arrival, and he is not 

 disturbed with doubts as to whether the prices obtained 

 are genuine or not. Against this must be set the 

 expenses incurred, the extra work and anxiety, the 

 booking and collecting of debts, with the risk of 

 loss. 



The usual practice is to take a stand or stall in some 

 good market, and as the bulk of the trade is transacted 

 in early morning it often necessitates an overnight 

 journey with the expense of lodging, etc., unless the 

 grower travels with his produce by road, and that means 

 perhaps a rough, all-night experience. 



In the more important markets the competition for 

 stands, especially those well placed, is very keen and 

 applications may be on the books for months before a 

 vacancy occurs. The authorities, too, are very parti- 

 cular in some markets respecting the position and 

 credentials of the would-be stall-holders, so that when- 

 ever this method is to be adopted, arrangements must be 

 made a considerable time in advance, or other means 

 will have to be at command temporarily. The rent of 

 market stands varies greatly ; in some it is moderate and 

 paid weekly or monthly, but in others it is paid every 

 market day and amounts to a fairly heavy charge. 



In favour of the system described, it must be said that 

 within our own knowledge many growers have adopted it 

 with a large measure of success, and have by its help 

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