MARKETTXC SnUTHKRX-OROWX SWEET POTATOES. 43 
except in their immediate localities, with the result that often a I 
proportion of the stored crop would he held until late in the se<- 
and supplies would greatly exceed demand. In other 
many storage-house operators might sell during the winter that 
supplies would be inadequate to satisfy a later demand. Definite 
information furnished by these reports enables shippers to determine 
more intelligently when and where to sell, influences a more even 
distribution throughout the year, and tends to eliminate market 
gluts and to stabilize prices. 
THE FOOD PRODUCTS INSPECTION SERVICE. 
Shippers of sweet potatoes who have their cars rejected or who for 
any reason desire unbiased reports relative to the condition of their 
shipments on arrival, the grade of the product, or the amount of 
ease or damage may obtain reliable reports from Federal f< >od products 
inspectors. These inspectors are stationed in the principal receiving 
markets and upon requests from shippers, receivers, railroads, or any 
individual or agency financially interested in the shipment-, they make 
inspections and issue certificates winch are accepted in all United 
States courts as prima facie evidence of the facts stated. 
A certificate obtained from a Federal inspector fig. 20) provides a 
reliable, disinterested report that may be used as a basis for settling 
disputes regarding the quantity, quality, grade, or condition of a 
shipment. Xot only does it facilitate adjustments and prevent 
misunderstandings on the part of the contracting parties, but it often 
influences the shipper to improve grading, packing, and loading prac- 
tices, thereby eliminating to a large extent the causes of rejections 
and disputes. The fact that Federal inspections may be requested 
by shippers or carriers tends to prevent sharp practices at either end 
of the shipment. The fee charged is so small that some shippers 
request inspections merely to obtain information about their ship- 
ments and to avoid the possibility of a controversy. 
Information about this service, its scope, the fees charged, and the 
names and addresses of inspectors may be obtained by writing to the 
Bureau of Agricultural Economics. Inspection offices are main- 
tained in about 30 of the largest cities, and from these offices inspec- 
tions are made at all points that can be conveniently reached. 
Requests for inspections, however, should be made direct to the 
inspectors located in or near the cities where the shipments are to be 
inspected. A request may be made by letter, telephone, or telegraph; 
and should state the name of the shipper, name of th _nee, 
kind of product, number of the car, routing, and any other facts 
that might be of value in locating the car. If the shipper wants to 
establish only certain facts, such as the grade or the percentage of rot, 
this should be stated in his request. In determining grade the inspec- 
tors use the United States recommended grades. A copy of the in- 
spection certificate is mailed to the shipper and if desired a telegram 
l- sent collect winch gives the essential facts. A telegraphic request 
for an inspection may be worded like the following example in order 
to aid the inspector in rendering prompt service: 
M'>\ i EZUMA, < i V . . ' 
John Doe, 
B Street SW., Washington, D. C: 
Inspect A. I'.. & A. car 24052 routed via Southern and containii 
Ri n <weet pointer consigned by ihe tu Smith & Brown. Wire re] 
A. B. R 
