228 FUR FACTS 



leaflets at the apex of the stem. The second year plants may reach 

 5 or 6 inches in height, bearing two compound leaves each composed 

 of five characteristic leaflets. A third leaf is generally added the 

 next year and fruits may be expected. In succeeding years a fourth 

 leaf is formed and the fruiting head reaches its maximum development 

 sometimes producing as many as 100 seeds, but the average under 

 cultivation seldom exceeds 40 seeds to a plant. 



Mulching 



In accordance with natural conditions a winter mulch over the 

 crowns is essential, especially in northern localities. Forest leaves 

 held in place with poultry netting or light brush are best, but corn- 

 stalks stripped of the husks, bean vines, cowpea hay, or other coarse 

 litter not containing weed seeds or material attractive to mice will 

 answer the purpose. It should not be placed in position until actual 

 freezing weather is imminent and should be removed in spring before 

 the first shoots come through the soil. 



A mulch of 4 or 5 inches of leaves or their equivalent in litter is 

 ample for the severest climate, and less is needed in the South. Seed- 

 ling beds particularly require careful mulching to prevent heaving by 

 frost. 



Free ventilation is very necessary for ginseng. In the forest, 

 owing to the height of the protective canopy of trees, air currents 

 are almost constant. This condition should be borne in mind in the 

 construction of artificial shade, and the shed should contain as few 

 obstacles as possible to the free circulation of air. Open sides at 

 the north and east will generally insure free ventilation. 



Owing to the comparatively high cost of ginseng plants and roots, 

 the beds should be well protected by secure fences from the intrusion 

 of wild or domestic animals and should also be securely guarded 

 against theft, which is not uncommon with this high-priced product. 

 Protection is especially needed with forest plantings which should 

 always be well inclosed. Moles may be controlled with suitable 

 traps, of which there are several kinds on the market, or the beds 

 may be guarded with boards or wire netting of sufficiently close 

 mesh set 12 to 18 inches in the ground. 



Ginseng Varieties 



The culture of native ginseng has been too brief to induce varietal 

 changes, but liberal fertilization and continual selection of seeds 

 from individual plants having superior commercial characteristics 

 will doubtless in the end modify the wild type of plants. There are, 



