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MARKETING BROOM CORN. pat 
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- 
tamed 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, coler, 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, iene 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- 
