CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOMS. 



245 



is used in the distribution of the water, and in the amount used, to 

 prevent a surplus of water dripping through on the mushrooms 

 below. 



Cellar culture. For the cultivation of mushrooms on a small scale, 

 unoccupied portions of cellars in a dwelling house are often used. 

 The question is sometimes asked if it is injurious to the health of the 

 family in a dwelling house when mushrooms are grown in the cellar. 

 Probably where the materials used in making up the beds are thor- 

 oughly cured before being taken into the cellar, no injurious results 



FIGURE 229. View in mushroom house (Wm. Swayne). View down alley on right 



hand side. Copyright. 



would come from the cultivation of the plant there. In case the 

 manure is cured in the cellar, that is, is there carried through the 

 process of heating and fermentation in preparation for the beds, the 

 odors arising from the fermenting material are very disagreeable to 

 say the least, and probably are not at all beneficial to one's general 

 health. 



In the cellar culture of mushrooms the places selected are along 

 the sides of the cellar in unused portions. Floor beds alone may be 

 made by using the boards to support one side, while the wall forms 



