GINSENG. 23 



"In days gone by, wild roots were the demand and fetched 

 the price; but cultivated produce is now much in favor and buyers 

 are showing preference. 



"The roots to be considered good must in appearance resem- 

 ble wild roots in color. Each root must be properly cleaned with 

 all fibers or hair removed. The value is in tlie root, and buyers 

 will pay a better price for good, clean roots. The color is to be 

 light, which is superior to dark; too light, almost white, is not 

 liked at all and tells against the goods. The roots must be large 

 in size, light in color, light in weight, compared to size, and sponge- 

 like. Roots that are very hard command a poor price. A very 

 important point is size; this coupled with good color, clean and 

 spongelike to the touch, will fetch good prices here. Strong ob- 

 jections are made to roots that grow together in a bunch, to which 

 I ask your attention. Very often one sees two or more roots joined 

 together and make up a large root, and again at times a large root 

 with smaller roots stuck to it. Such roots are considered poor and 

 should not be mixed with single roots when shipping. Stubby 

 roots are much fancied by the buyers and they have the preference 

 over long thin roots. 



Without reserve I quote: Wild. Cultivated. 



For first class roots, $2900.00 $3600 00 



For medium roots, 2500.00 2560.00 



For fair roots, 2100.00 2000.00 



per picul (1331i lbs.) ex warehouse Hongkong in Hongkong 

 currency. Today's rate of exchange on New York is 42, which 

 please note. 



"The best way to start the business would be for you to 

 ship me a trial sample lot; you would then know the value of your 

 goods and can judge for yourself whether it would pay to ship 

 direct to the consuming market or through New York buyers. 



