98 



BOTANY AND PHARMACOGNOSY. 



as normal constituents of the plant. The nitrogen required by 

 plants is derived either from nitrogen salts contained in the soil, 



Fu;. 63. Tuberous root of ginseng iPayiax qiiiyiqtiejolium). The root on the left is a 

 fresh specimen ami was grown in tiie United States. The one to the right was purchased 

 at a Chinese bazaar and cost 75 cents. It is translucent, of a yellowisli-brown color, rnd 

 has the characteristic shape considered desirable by the Chinese. The markings on the 

 upper segment of the specimen are stem scars which are usually found on old roots. The 

 translucent appearance is no doubt due to the manner of treatment. While the method 

 is not generally known, similar specimens may be prepared by treating the recently 

 gathered roots with freshly slaked lime. 



as nitrates and ammonium salts, or from the free nitrogen of 

 the atnidsphcrr. \\'hile mo'^t of the higlicr i)l.'int^ ;m"c alilc 1m 

 assimilate nitrogen conipimniN cxi^ling in ihr Miil, <<\\\\ the 



