DRUG PLANTS 147 



after, not when they are beginning to fade. Seeds should be 

 gathered just as they are ripening, before the seed pods open, 

 and should be winnowed in order to remove fragments of 

 stems, leaves, and shriveled specimens. 



The collector should be sure that the plant is the right one. 

 Many plants closely resemble one another, and some "yarbs," 

 contrary to the popular impression, are deadly poison 

 nightshade (belladonna) and the wild variety of parsnips, 

 for instance. Therefore, where any doubt exists, send a 

 specimen of the entire plant, including leaves, flowers, and 

 fruits, to a drug dealer or to the nearest state experiment 

 station for identification. 



Samples representative of the lot of drugs to be sold should 

 be sent to the nearest commission merchant, or drug store, 

 for inspection and for quotation on the amount of drug that 

 can be furnished, or for information as to where to send the 

 article. 



In writing to the different dealers for information and 

 for prices, which vary greatly, it should be stated how much 

 of a particular drug can be furnished and how soon this can 

 be supplied, and postage should always be inclosed for reply. 

 The collector should bear in mind that freight is an important 

 item, and it is best, therefore, to address the dealers acces- 

 sible to the place of production. The package containing 

 the sample should be plainly marked with contents and the 

 name and address of the sender. When ready for shipment 

 crude drugs may be tightly packed hi burlap or gunny sacks, 

 or in dry, clean barrels. 



Burdock root brings from three to eight cents per pound, 

 and seed five to ten cents. About fifty thousand pounds of 

 the root is imported annually, and the best has come from 

 Belgium. 



