10 AMEEICAN EOOT DRUGS. 



been taken from various publications, mention of which is made 

 under tlie illustrations in question. 



THE COLLECTION OF ROOT DRUGS. 



Generally speaking, the roots of annual plants should be dug just 

 before flowering, and those of biennial or perennial plants late in 

 autumn or early in spring, the object being to collect them at a period 

 when there is a cessation of growth ; for besides shrinking more and 

 weighing less if collected during the growing season, they are also 

 deficient in medicinal properties. Very frequently a drug is of 

 inferior quality simply because the collector has neglected to gather 

 it in the proper season. 



It is unfortunate that so much confusion exists with regard to the 

 common names of American plants. The common name of a plant 

 in one locality maj^ be the same as that of an entirely different plant 

 in another locality, and on account of this confusion the collector is 

 not always sure of the identity of the plant he is collecting, nor the 

 drug dealer as to what he will receive, unless a sample is submitted to 

 him. If more care were exercised in this respect it would mean a 

 saving of time and money to both collector and dealer. 



Another important matter that the collector sometimes overlooks 

 is the proper cleaning and drying of the roots. To insure a good 

 market for his crude drugs the collector should be certain not only 

 that he has the right plant, but that it is collected at the proper season 

 of the year, and that he has a clean and thoroughly dried article. 



After the roots have been dug they should be freed from dirt and 

 all foreign particles, such as stones and bits of other plants. If the 

 adherent soil can not be removed by shaking the roots, they may, in 

 most instances, be washed in clean water, after which they should be 

 carefull}!' dried. In some cases the roots are sliced or split when green 

 in order to facilitate drying, and wherever this is necessary it will be 

 indicated under the descriptions of the different i^lants. 



For the purpose of drying, the roots should be spread out in thin 

 layers on racks or shelves, or on clean, well-ventilated barn floors or 

 lofts, exposed to light and air but not direct sunlight, and turned 

 occasionally each day until thoroughly dry. If the roots are dried 

 out of doors, they should be placed under shelter at night or upon 

 the approach of damp or rainy weather. Thoroughly dried roots 

 snap readily when bent, and it requires from three to six weeks to 

 cure roots, depending upon the weather conditions and the character 

 of the roots. 



Burlap or gunny sacks, or dry. clean barrels may be used for pack- 

 ing the roots for shipment. 



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