GINSENG. 45 



CHAPTER XVI. 

 QINSENQ. 

 COST OF PRODUCTION. The question of just how much it will 

 cost to produce a pound of ginseng roots is not as easily answered 

 as asked. It would require a great deal of extra book-keeping and 

 unless one does all of the work personally, it would be difficult to 

 keep an account of just how much time was being spent m a cer- 

 tain portion of his garden during a period of five years. It must be 

 considered in growing a crop such as ginseng — one that requires five 

 years to mature — we are not only taking care of one, but are really 

 taking care of five crops at the same time. However, the author 

 has grown ginseng as a side line since 1900, and from careful sys- 

 tematic records, finds that it has cost less than $2.00 per pound. 



COST OF STARTING A GARDEN. The cost of starting a garden of 

 a certain area, depends upon the kind of nursery stock to be planted, 

 whether seed or young roots. After reading this book and getting 

 prices of nursery stock from some reliable grower, the reader can 

 easily figure the cost of starting a garden. One thing is certain, 

 however no one should rush into the growing of ginseng until he has 

 thoroughly familiarized himself with the subject. There are perils 

 as well as profits in "freak farming", and it is a game for plung- 

 ers, not plodders or children in finance. While, as a rule, with pro- 

 per care and attention, large profits may be realized, it should not 

 be undertaken, even as a side line, by any person who has not a rich 

 stock of patience and a capital of at least a few hundred dollars. 

 The problem should be approached cautiously and studiously. 



