120 PRESENT STATUS OF THE INDUSTRY. 



so tidy or convenient. About every root grew and 

 about eighty-five seeds out of a hundred came up and 

 did well all summer. We were so favorably impressed 

 with the way all three pieces prospered that we bought 

 several thousand roots and four pounds of seed the 

 next fall and enlarged our grounds so that to-day we 

 can say we are in the swim. The three hundred two- 

 year-old roots weighed at the time of planting four and 

 one-half pounds. At the end of the third season, 

 when five years old, we dug forty-five pounds of green 

 roots. Besides, we had three years' seed, and the 

 last year's seed crop was worth twice as much as the 

 cost of the roots and expenses of the three years' cul- 

 tivation. 



"Some say : 'I would like to grow ginseng but it 

 takes too long; I cannot wait six or eight years for 

 returns.' We are glad that Nature has so fixed it 

 that man cannot shorten the time, for there is where 

 the great money profit comes in. Some advertise not 

 over twenty-five roots at thirty cents per root and not 

 over one hundred seeds at two cents each to one 

 person ; another advertises to have ginseng growing in 

 the far South, or on the mountain tops. We think it 

 best to fling a little shy of these gentlemen, because our 

 best growers, who never advertise, and yet have more 

 than they can do to take care of the present demand for 

 the roots, make no such statements. 



"We have seen a number start to grow ginseng 

 by getting a few roots and seeds and planting them in 

 fence corners partly protected by some sticks and 

 boards. Soon after, these patches fail because some 

 domestic animal destroys the whole thing. Our 

 advice to those who wish to try ginseng culture is to 

 read the matter up. Within the last three years there 

 have been some good methods of its culture printed. 

 Then go to some responsible grower and if he cannot 

 supply roots and seeds at the market price he will in 



