GINSENG. 27 



CHAPTER X. 

 aiNSENG. 



Soils Best Adapted. 



As only a comparatively small piece of g'l'ound is necessary 

 for conducting ciuite an extensive culture of g-inseng, nearly any 

 kind of soil can be prepared for the pui'pose, for if the conditions 

 of the soil at one's disposal are not naturally right, the substances 

 lacking can be supplied. The soils best adapted and most easily 

 prepared are those of a rather coarse texture — clay loam mixed with 

 sand — . Such soils are usually naturally well drained and easily 

 worked into a nice mellow condition. If the soil consists of heavy 

 clay, sand can be mixed to advantage to aid in making it mellow 

 and porous, and if the subsoil consists of hard pan, tile draining' 

 or ditching is necessary to lead all surplus water away; or the beds 

 may be raised sufficiently high to place them above any surface 

 water. Ginseng despises having "wet feet." 



PREPARING THE SOIL. 



Whenever possible the preparing of the soil should }ye begun 

 early enough so that it can be worked over several times before 

 planting. If a large piece is to be prepared this may be done with 

 a plow; after plowing it should be harrowed to smooth the sur- 

 face. If a small patch is being prepared a spading fork may be 

 used. Whether plowing or spading, the ground should always be ^ 

 left with a smooth surface. The soil should be worked deep, from 

 twelve to fourteen inches, and all stones larger than a hen's egg 

 should be removed. This is one place where we can improve on 

 the natural home of ginseng, — by making the ground mellow. 



