GINSENG CULTURE.* 



N. O. BOOTH. 



During the last few years we have received so many Inquiries In regard 

 to ginseng, its culture, its sale, and the prospects of its becoming a staple 

 crop, that we issue this circular letter. We have not grown ginseng at 

 this station and the information which is contained in this letter is gleaned 

 from the various sources mentioned below. 



The demand for ginseng comes from China, where it has been used for 

 ages as a medicinal root. That it has some medicinal value is recognized 

 by those who have investigated its properties, but it is nowhere a recog- 

 nized remedy except in China. There it is a standard cure for all ills and 

 equally efficacious as a preventive. The form of the root affects its value 

 according to the Chinese; those roots resembling the human body being 

 the most valuable. These facts are chiefly of importance as indicating 

 the probable long continued demand for ginseng. Ancient customs and 

 prejudices die out slowly even in this country, and China is not noted for 

 sudden changes of thought or manner of living. Ginseng was first ex- 

 ported from America in the early part of the 18th century. In a few 

 years the trade had grown to considerable proportions, when the ex- 

 porters in this country ruined It by sending Immature and imperfectly 

 cured roots. For some years almost none was exported, and then the 

 trade was gradually talien up again. Wild ginseng is becoming scarcer 

 In the United States year by year; the amount exported is becoming less 

 and the price higher. This is partially due to the fact that " Sang " 

 hunters usually gather the root in summer before the plant has matured 

 its seed, partially to the clearing out of the forests and pasturing of a 

 large portion of that remaining. Virginia, West Virginia and Ontario, 

 Canada, have passed laws to prevent the gathering of the roots out of 

 season. The root itself is in better condition if gathered in the fall and 

 does not shrink so much in drjing. 



Ginseng queries by prospective growers are along four lines: 1st. Is 

 ginseng gi-owing profitable? 2d. If profitable, where can I get seed and 

 plants? 3d. How shall I raise and prepare the roots for marliet? 4th. 

 Where can I sell them? 



1st. As to the profits of ginseng growing, it is difficult to say how profit- 

 able the industry wiU eventually be to those who gi-ow the roots for export 

 alone. So far almost all growers have made the most of their money 

 selling plants and seeds to others who wish to start plantations. Ginseng 

 growing is something that requires little land but considerable worli, and 

 this work must be very carefully done. The work is light and might be 

 done by women or children. 



•Reprint of a circular. 



