LETTERS FROM GROWERS. 129 



not follow that all such roots will continue to develop 

 two stems in after years. We have found some that 

 had a germ for only one stem the second season. It 

 is quite common for old roots to develop two or more 

 stems. We have known a single root to send up six 

 perfect stems in one season. 



''The ginseng plant is a very interesting study 

 and is always developing some new traits. It responds 

 liberally to good treatment, will stand drouth as well 

 as ordinary crops, is not seriously injured by ordinary 

 frost, but hard freezing is likely to kill some of the 

 plants and seriously injure the seed crop. Do not 

 sprinkle the plants when frosted as it would likely 

 injure the seed crop; at least, such has been our 

 experience and observation at the Chinese ginseng 

 farm. 



"Ginseng plants are liable to some kind of disease 

 the cause and nature of which we have as yet been 

 unable to determine. First indications are wilting and 

 drooping of part or all of the plant, leaves turning 

 black and drying, stalk shrinking and withering for a 

 few inches from the top down to, and sometimes below 

 the surface of the ground. In this case the stalk is 

 generally soft and degenerated, the disease extending 

 to the root, which sooner or later is likely to decay. 

 We have not been able to determine whether the 

 disease first commences in the root or the plant. We 

 know that the plants sometimes prematurely die and 

 leaves drop off while the root seems to be sound and 

 healthy. If on pulling up an affected plant the stalk 

 readily comes up with a portion of the neck showing 

 disintegration, with strong offensive odor, it indicates 

 root-rot. But if the stalk parts from the neck with a 

 slight, sharp snap and has a white, healthy fresh 

 appearance at the juncture of the neck, it indicates 

 premature ripening and the root may be all right. 

 Some growers advise spraying with Bordeaux mixture. .<-' 



