GINSENG. 41 



CHAPTER XV. 

 QINSENQ. 

 DIQQINQ MATURED ROOTS. In the fall, that the roots have 

 completed their fifth season's growth, and after the tops begin to 

 die down, is the best time to dig matured roots- Under proper 

 care, roots are of marketable size after completing their fourth 

 season's growth but it pays well to let them grow longer. In dig- 

 ging, care should be taken to avoid breaking or in any way 

 mutilating them. The digging can best be done with the aid of 

 a spading fork. Begin at one end of the bed and insert the fork 

 from the front, far enougli under the root as not to come in 

 contact with it. Bear down on the handle of the fork and then 

 raise up the earth containing the root and shake it out. By 

 careful digging in this manner, roots will not be broken, or 

 punctured with the fork. Many roots are being damaged suffi- 

 ciently by careless digging to reduce their market value at least 

 fifty cents to one dollar per pound. 



In digging roots for the market, all small, but otherwise 

 healthy roots which weigh less than an ounce green, should be 

 sorted out and transplanted, and allowed to grow a year or two 

 longer. 



CLEANING ROOTS. Immediately after digging, the roots should 

 be washed free of earth. This can be done best by putting about 

 one half bushel into a washtub, covering the roots well with 

 water, and stirring gently with a broom. Do not scrub them, but 

 merely get the dirt off. Another very good way is to turn a 



