This method of selling makes it possible to operate on the largest scale. The vegetables are hauled to market on big wagons, or liberal consignments are made by train or boat. The grower may cultivate several hundred acres, and ship in car lots, the volume of the business amounting to many thousands of dollars a year. Over 100 cars of cucurbits are produced and shipped annually by a grower on the eastern shore of Maryland.

Vegetables are consigned on commission or sold outright to wholesale dealers. It is sometimes said that all commission dealers are rogues, but this is necessarily far from the truth, although there are rascals among commission men. Rascals have been known to exist also among vegetable growers, judging from the dishonest, packs sometimes put up. Many of the most successful gardeners sell entirely on commission, and they stand ready to defend the honesty and integrity of their dealers. Before making a consignment it is important, of course, to investigate thoroughly the reliability of a dealer. Selling for a definite figure is more satisfactory, although it is often impossible to do so without making a sacrifice in price. When shipping to commission dealers the grower should insist upon daily reports by telephone, or when this is not possible, by telegraph. It is a great advantage to converse daily with the dealer, although this is not practicable in many instances, especially if the grower live hundreds of miles away.

A very satisfactory way is to sell to agents at the shipping station. This method has been developed at many points in various parts of the country. It really amounts to an auction without an auctioneer. Agents representing city dealers are authorized to buy as directed. The grower receives cash or a check for the goods sold and goes home without any anxiety concerning returns for the shipment.