Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1885-08-03
GINSENG.
An Industry that Would Stand Cuitvatter
In West virsinia-Parkersburg Notes.
Special 10 The Register,

An Industry that Would Stand CultavatiPn
In West Virginia Notes.
Special 10 The Register,
PARKERsBURG, August a. There ere
probably very few persons who note the
large amount Of ginseng (aralia quir gull :
ia) now being shipped from this point, that
realize the importance Of the root which z
grown so extensively in West Virginia, srr
which is now one Of the great commodities
of commerce. The annual exports OF the
root amounts to about three quarters OF :
million dollars. 1t may be Of interest tp
the REGISTER readers throughout the Stste
to know that one pound of the root COM
mands more money than bushel of potaF
toes, and in various placss more than Q
dozen bushels. The most Of it goes 70
China, where it is considered as having
great medical virtues. 1t is used as
tonic for debility, and q great
panacea for almost all ills that the flesh is
heir to. By those who can afford 1t, the
root is used in place. of tea, while some o.
the lower classes chew it as oshers defks
baceo. China also additie's syisg
itAe~nfost Of our production OF ginseng,
grows what they claim to be superior to
American production, which they cultivate
similar to our method of growing sweet po-
tatoes, in raised rows or beds. During the
psst ten wears the value of our exports OF
the root has not been less than $47O, 600.
Another item of interest on this subject Is
that in several counties in our State during
he past few months the digging of the root
has afforded employment to many persons
who for lack of this would have probably
felt the pinch of hunger. In fact it Is re-
lated that in some communities, the
proceeds from gingsepg alone procured
daily subsistence for the family. and bought
the necessary seeds for the spring crop
This can be substantiated BY witnesses OF
undoubted veracity.
The genial Harry Spencer of the Black
Diamond system OF Railways, returned yes
terday from GAINESVILLE o. The chief en-
gineer is now on the line making perma-
neut survey from GAINESVILLE to Malta,
twenty-five miles which is to be completed
by January !, 1886, and in another year
he entire line of the Chicago GAINESVILLE X
Atlantic Railway, which is one OF the i'm
poItant links of the Black Diamond system
will be completed to Hsrmar, o., when it
will connect with the B. & 0. trunk line
east and south. Your correspondent learned
ro-day that the prospect for an early inaug-
uration OF work on the c., p. & NJ. Railway
is good, and those interested feel very much
encouraged The completion of this i'm
portant line, together with the Ohio River
Road, to the State Capital, and the contin-
ued prosperity Of the b. & o., will mark the
HeginniDg of new era of prosperity for
Parkersburg.
Colonel Ed L. Rose, of Wheeling, made
flying trip TO our city to day and returned
via. the Ohio River Road this evening.
Colonel T. P. Shallcross, who has been at
tending u s. Court, left for home last
night.
Colonel George Dutton, representing the
Singer Manufacturing Company, of Pitts
borg is qusrtersd at Ais Central Hotel.
Parkersburg Post OF the G. A. 4. will
send representatives. to attend the funeral OF
Gen. Grant. Captain Chas. B. Smith, COM
mander, and B. Powell, Adjutsnt Of the
Post, will attend in their official capacity.
Major S. F. Shaw will also attend. 1t is
reported from Charleston that Gov. Wilson
does not propose to wait on the laws delay
IN the Chesapeake and Ohio injunction
case, and has notified the prosecuting attor-
rey of the several counties interested that
The Executive Department expects prompt
assistance from any officer who has any
thing to do with the collection Of the taxes
which are due and must be paid. 1t Is not
generally understood why Judge Jackson
granted the injunction, but it is presumed
that the court fully understands its duty in
the matter.
Col. o. G. Scho6eld, chief clerk in the
revenue Office at Grafton, made a flying
trip to the city yesterday.