THE COLLECTION OF ROOT DRUGS.

Generally speaking, the roots of annual plants should be dug just before flowering, and those of biennial or perennial plants late in autumn or early in spring, the object being to collect them at a period when there is a cessation of growth; for besides shrinking more and weighing less if collected during the growing season, they are also deficient in medicinal properties. Very frequently a drug is of inferior quality simply because the collector has neglected to gather it in the proper season.

It is unfortunate that so much confusion exists with regard to the common names of American plants. The common name of a plant in one locality may be the same as that of an entirely different plant in another locality, and on account of this confusion the collector is not always sure of the identity of the plant he is collecting, nor the drug dealer as to what he will receive, unless a sample is submitted to him. If more care were exercised in this respect it would mean a saving of time and money to both collector and dealer.

Another important matter that the collector sometimes overlooks is the proper cleaning and drying of the roots. To insure a good market for his crude drugs the collector should be certain not only that he has the right plant, but that it is collected at the proper season of the year, and that he has a clean and thoroughly dried article.

After the roots have been dug they should be freed from dirt and all foreign particles, such as stones and bits of other plants. If the adherent soil can not be removed by shaking the roots, they may, in most instances, be washed in clean water, after which they should be carefully dried. In some cases the roots are sliced or split when green in order to facilitate drying, and wherever this is necessary it will be indicated under the descriptions of the different plants.

For the purpose of drying, the roots should be spread out in thin layers on racks or shelves, or on clean, well-ventilated barn floors or lofts, exposed to light and air but not direct sunlight, and turned occasionally each day until thoroughly dry. If the roots are dried out of doors, they should be placed under shelter at night or upon the approach of damp or rainy weather. Thoroughly dried roots snap readily when bent, and it requires from three to six weeks to cure roots, depending upon the weather conditions and the character of the roots.

Burlap or gunny sacks, or dry, clean barrels may be used for packing the roots for shipment.

11The collector should always communicate with the dealers concerning the drugs to be disposed of, sending them a representative sample, plainly marked as to contents, with the name and address of the sender, and stating how large a quantity can be furnished.

The prices per pound mentioned in this bulletin will serve to give the collector an idea as to what he may expect to receive from dealers, but, as with other commodities, depending for their prices upon supply and demand, fluctuations are likely to occur from year to year. An increased demand or a shortage will send prices upward and stimulate collection, which in turn may result in glutting the market, and a decline in prices naturally follows. It is possible, therefore, to give only an approximate range of prices.