118 THE ALUMNI JOURNAL 



Last year the best quality of ginseng brought from $2,000 to $2,300 

 Mexican per picul (equal to 133 1-3 pounds), but selected roots 

 have brought $2,400 to $2,550. It is estimated here that growers 

 should net about $7.25 gold per pound. The buying price of ginseng 

 is uncertain. There being no standard no price can be fixed. The 

 American-Chinese shippers have the practice of withholding the gin- 

 seng to accord with the demand in China. Owing to failures among 

 Chinese merchants since the war and the confusion in San Francisco 

 trade in this industry has been slack and prices have fallen off. If 

 the root is perfect and unbroken it is preferred. Much stress should 

 be laid on shipping clean, perfect, and attractive roots. Size, weight, 

 and appearance are factors in securing best prices, the larger and 

 heavier the root the better. When the shij^ment arrives the importer 

 invites jobbers to inspect the same. The roots are imported in air- 

 tight casks in weights of about 100 pounds. It is certain that there are 

 many different qualities of ginseng and the price is difficult to fix. 

 except on inspection in China. 



As to wild and cultivated roots, two or three years ago when culti- 

 vated ginseng was new buyers made no distinction and the price ruled 

 the same ; but having learned of the new industry, experts here assure 

 n^.e the roots can readily be distinguished. They say that the wild 

 root is darker in color and rougher. The wild is preferred. Experts 

 now allege a prejudice against the cultivated root, affirming that the 

 wild root has a sweeter taste. The cultivated roots being larger and 

 heavier, they first earned large prices, but are now at a disadvantage, 

 although marketable. The cultivated is as yet but a small percentage 

 of the entire importations, but is increasing. Seventy-five per cent, 

 of all importations are in the hands of the Chinese. Small growers in 

 America will do best to sell to the collecting buyers in New York, 

 Cincinnati, and other cities. Hongkong annual importations are now 

 about 100,000 pounds. 



The imports of ginseng at Hongkong during the past ten years 

 have been as follows, for twelve months ending June 30: 



A New York dentist demands settlement of a bill for $2.1 to. A 

 physician recently asked a fee at the rate of $300 a day. Not much 

 fear that the sick will die disgracefully rich. 



