120 MAIXK AGRICII.TUHAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



growth is about two or tlirce inches below the surlac'e of the 

 groiiinl. The roots should not be cut or trimmed. y\ftcr the 

 roots are set, an open lattice-work or lath shed should be built 

 over the whole area covered, as indicated in figure 38. The 

 lath roof may be made in sections and rcmo\'ed for storage 

 during the winter. 



The roots of cultix'ated plants are usuall)- larger and more 

 uniform than those from the wild and will bring from 50 cents 

 to $1.00 more per pound. The long time required for returns 

 will, however, deter most people from undertaking the work of 

 cultivation. In general, if an experimental bed is decided 

 upon, it is probably wise to purchase seedling plants rather 

 than to attempt to start seedlings. But no one should be de 

 ceived by the glowing accounts of possible fabulous returns 

 from the enterprise. The present high prices are said to be 

 maintained by a syndicate of Korean merchants who control 

 the native product. On the other hand, the demand for the 

 article is apparently limited only by the exorbitant price, and 

 with an increased supply and. consequent reduction of price 

 will come an increased demand for the roots. 



The Experiment Station would not encourage ginseng 

 culture in Maine, but those intending to attempt this industry 

 would do well to procure the little book "Ginseng," by M. G. 

 Kains (published by Orange Judd Company, New York); also 

 Bulletin 16, Div. of Botany, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture 



ft The Station is indebted to Hon. N. B. Critchfield, Secretary of Agriculture, of F^enn- 

 svlvania. tor the use of the electrotype for figure 35 and for permission to copy figures 

 36 37, and 38. 



