CULTIVATION OF MUSHROOMS. 



239 



we will consider, first, the conditions under which the cultivation is 

 carried on, followed by a discussion of the principles involved in the 

 selection and preparation of the material, the selection and planting 

 of the spawn, as well as the harvesting of the crop. 



THE CAVE CULTURE OF MUSHROOMS IN AMERICA. 



This has been practiced for a number of years in different parts 

 of the Eastern United States, but perhaps only a small portion of 

 the available caves or tunnels are at present used for this purpose. 



FIGURE 224. View in Akron "tunnel," N. Y. Mushroom Co. 



bear. Copyright. 



Beds beginning to 



These subterranean mushroom farms are usually established in some 

 abandoned mine where, the rock having been removed, the space 

 is readily adapted to this purpose, if portions of the mine are not wet 

 from the dripping water. The most extensive one which 1 have 

 visited is located at Akron, New York, and is operated by the New 

 York Mushroom Company. In a single abandoned cement mine 

 there are 12 to 15 acres of available space ; about 3 to 5 acres of this 

 area are used in the operations of the culture and handling of 

 materials. The dry portions of the mine are selected, and flat beds 

 are made upon the bottom rock, with the use of hemlock boards, 



