48 THE GINSENG INDUSTRY. 



These figures give a general idea of the ruiL oi 

 prices paid by the dealers, but do not show what is paid 

 in the different sections of the country. These, as will 

 be seen from the following table, vary greatly. The 

 difference in prices is due to the actual quality of the 

 root, which in the north is generally solid and well 

 cleaned, but which in the south is often spongy and 

 improperly prepared for market, both in the washing 

 away of earth and in the removal of fine roots. These 

 all help to lower the price. 



It may here be remarked that though the prices 

 paid for ginseng have been upon the increase, the profits 

 of the collector have, in reality, been growing less, on 

 account of the greater difficulty in obtaining wild roots 

 of marketable size. It is, however, a hopeful sign for 

 the grower. 



The table, which has been compiled from the prices 

 offered in October, 1898, by northern dealers in this 

 root, gives the highest and lowest figures paid for roots 

 from the regions mentioned. These prices are based 

 upon the quality of the root, and it is no uncommon 

 thing for higher prices than are mentioned in this table 

 to be paid for exceptionally fine samples such as ginseng 

 cultivators have to offer. 



New York, Vermont, Delaware and Canadian, $5.00 $5.50 



Michigan and Northern Pennsylvania, 4.50 5.25 



Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, 3.50 4.50 



Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, 3.50 4.00 



West Virginia and. Southern Pennsylvania, 3.00 4.50 



Kentucky and Tennessee, 2.75 3.10 



The prices offered in southern markets could not be 

 obtained, as no southern dealers are known to the writer. 

 It is probable, however, that they offer somewhat higher 

 prices than northern dealers can afford to give for south- 

 ern root. As a rule, the price paid for the southern 

 article in the northern markets is lower than for northern- 

 grown ginseng. 



The above table mentions nothing of the prices paid 



