Part 1

Transcriber Note

Text emphasis denoted as Italic and =Bold=.

FARMERS' BULLETIN 663

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

DRUG PLANTS UNDER CULTIVATION

This Bulletin gives general suggestions relative to the culture, harvesting, distillation, yield, marketing, and commercial prospects for drug plants. Specific information is also given concerning the cultivation, handling, and yield of individual species and the demand and prices paid for the product.

The market demand for many cultivated plant drugs is not large enough to justify growing them except as small minor crops.

The haphazard production of crude drugs in small lots of a few pounds usually means a dissatisfied producer.

A special knowledge of trade requirements is necessary in collecting, curing, preserving, and packing drugs for market.

Most farm products find a ready local market; a special market must be sought for plant drugs.

High prices for plant drugs do not insure large profits in producing them. Not the price received, but the difference between the cost of production and the selling price is the important point.

Contribution from the Bureau of Plant Industry

WM. A. TAYLOR, Chief

Issued, June, 1915 Washington, D. C. Revised, August, 1920

Show this bulletin to a neighbor. Additional copies may be obtained free from the Division of Publications, United States Department of Agriculture.

DRUG PLANTS UNDER CULTIVATION.

W. W. Stockberger, Physiologist in Charge, Drug, Poisonous, and Oil Plant Investigations.

CONTENTS.

Page.

Production of crude drugs 3

Some drug plants suitable for cultivation in the United States 4

General cultural suggestions 5

Harvesting 8

Distillation 9

Yield 11

Marketing 11

Commercial prospects 12

The cultivation and handling of drug plants 14