GINSENG CULTURE.* 
N. O. BOOTH. 
During the last few years we have received so many inquiries in regard 
to ginseng, its culture, its sale, and the prospects of its becoming a staple 
crop, that we issue this circular letter. We have not grown ginseng at 
this station and the information which is contained in this letter is gleaned 
from the various sources mentioned below. 
The demand for ginseng comes from China, where it has been used for 
ages as a medicinal root. That it has some medicinal value is recognized 
by those who have investigated its properties, but it is nowhere a recog- 
nized remedy except in China. There it is a standard cure for all ills and 
equally efficacious as a preventive. The form of the root affects its value 
according to the Chinese; those roots resembling the human body being 
the most valuable. These facts are chiefiy of importance as indicating 
the probable long continued demand for ginseng. Ancient customs and 
prejudices die out slowly even in this country, and China is not noted for 
sudden changes of thought or manner of living. Ginseng was first ex- 
ported from America in the early part of the 18th century. In a few 
years the trade had grown to considerable proportions, when the ex- 
porters in this country ruined it by sending immature and imperfectly 
cured roots. For some years almost none was exported, and then the 
trade was gradually taken up again. Wild ginseng is becoming scarcer 
in the United States year by year; the amount exported is becoming less 
and the price higher. This is partially due to the fact that “Sang” 
hunters usually gather the root in summer before the plant has matured 
its seed, partially to the clearing out of the forests and pasturing of a 
large portion of that remaining. Virginia, West Virginia and Ontario, 
Canada, have passed laws to prevent the gathering of the roots out of 
season. The root itself is in better condition if gathered in the fall and 
does not shrink so much in drying. 
Ginseng queries by prospective growers are along four lines: ist. Is 
ginseng growing profitable? 2d. If profitable, where can I get seed and 
plants? 38d. How shall I raise and prepare the roots for market? 4th. 
Where can I sell them? 
Ist. As to the profits of ginseng growing, it is difficult to say how profit- 
able the industry will eventually be to those who grow the roots for export 
alone. So far almost all growers have made the most of their money 
Selling plants and seeds to others who wish to start plantations. Ginseng 
growing is something that requires little land but considerable work, and 
this work must be very carefully done. The work is light and might be 
done by women or children, 

*Reprint of a circular, 
