ASIATIC GINSENG INDUSTRY AND MARKET. 101 



'selected.' The values per picul (one hundred thirty- 

 three and one-third pounds) of these grades, as based 

 on sales made during the last three years, were : 



"The present values of these grades bring the price 

 in American currency, respectively, per pound, to $4.05, 

 $5.25, and $6.18, after deducting charges, trade 

 discount, selling and guarantee commissions. This 

 latter estimate is furnished by an experienced and 

 reliable local dealer. 



"In addition to the grades mentioned above, others 

 are imported, and among the best is some picked root 

 worth $4460 to $4500 Mexican ($2002.54 to $2020.50) 

 per picul (one hundred thirty-three and one-third 

 pounds). Split root (cut lengthwise in two pieces) 

 may be quoted at $1500 Mexican ($673.50) per picul. 

 Siftings (chips and dust) are also salable at $120 to 

 $130 Mexican ($53.88 to $58.37) per picul. Very little 

 cultivated American root has so far been imported into 

 Hong Kong. The value of a few small shipments 

 averaged $3200 Mexican ($1426.80) per picul. The 

 cultivated root was much liked by the native buyers, 

 and its cultivation ought to be encouraged in the United 

 States. 



"The Korean ginseng- root brings higher prices 

 than that from the United States. Korean root in the 

 Hong Kong market is quoted as follows, per picul (one 

 hundred thirty-three and one-third pounds) : 



