34 
BULLETIN 979, U. S. DEPARTMENT OE AGRICULTURE. 
switch and resell or even to resell on unloading tracks and pay 
demurrage. 
It is thought that these unfair practices on the part of both the 
shipper and the buyer can be greatly reduced by an impartial in- 
spection and grading system, based upon uniform standards that 
are understood alike by both buyer and seller. 
Plug Teack Sales. 
In order to overcome some of the difficulties of other methods of 
sales several large markets, including Kansas City, Cincinnati, and 
Omaha, have established " plug " yards. They have been termed 
" plug " yards because the cars offered for sale there are " plugged," 
Jb'iG. 5. 
—Selling hay at Plug Yards by the auction method. The hay piled outside the 
car is called the " plug." The man on the hay is acting as auctioneer. 
i. e., a plug consisting of 15 to 50 bales is taken out of the car and 
placed outside so that the buyer can determine better the character 
of the hay in the car. 
The methods of selling hay at the plug yards differ somewhat at 
the various markets. At most places, except Cincinnati, the actual 
selling is carried on in practically the same manner as sales at the 
car door. The method is considered more satisfactory than sales at 
the car door, however, for the reason that the buyer can see a good 
representative sample of the hay he is buying. When 30 to 50 bales 
are removed from the car there is a good opportunity to see whether 
the hay runs uniform or not (fig. 5). 
Each day the buyers and sellers meet at the plug tracks and con- 
summate sales. The buyers examine the different cars offered, and 
