Raising Mushrooms at Home 



pat it solid with spade or board. The bed should not be covered with 

 loam when the temperature is too high. Removing the papers will 

 allow the heat to escape. At the time of covering with loam the spawn 

 should have begun to spread. It will show plainly in the manure close 

 to the lumps of spawn. Its odor is unmistakable, being musky, spicy, 

 much like mushrooms, but stronger. Care should be taken not to dis- 

 turb the new mycelium, as all breakage of the fine, web-like threads 

 lessens its product. The mycelium should start and grow quickly up to 

 the time of covering with loam. After that a slow increase is best. To 

 effect this the surrounding outside temperature should be from fifty- 

 seven to sixty-two degrees. Ventilation should be upward and good, 

 but not directly upon the bed. 



The mycelium will now run and completely fill the bed. Minute 

 white nodules will appear upon the threads of it ; these are the beginnings 

 of the mushrooms to come. In from seven to eight weeks after spawn- 

 ing tiny button mushrooms should appear on top of the bed. If the 

 cellar has been cool it may be a few days longer. Mr. Falconer says, 

 "If the temperature of the bed falls below fifty-seven degrees, and the 

 atmospheric temperature below forty-five degrees, the beds should be 

 covered with matting or other material." Newspapers will do. Upon 

 the appearance of the mushrooms is the time a moist atmosphere is 

 needed. This is obtained by sprinkling the walks and cellar well with 

 warm water. This moisture should be kept up all the while the crop is 

 growing. Unless the fruiting beds show a marked dryness they should 

 not be watered. If watering is required, do it very carefully with a 

 fine rose or syringe. Have the pure water at ninety degrees, and do 

 not more than moisten the loam covering. Never let the water settle 

 in pools or wash the surface. 



After the bed is in bearing the addition of strong, liquid manure 

 plentifully applied between the bunches (never on them) will add to 

 their weight and size. It should be done with a long spout without 

 rose. A sprinkling of salt on bare places is beneficial. 



GATHERING THE CROP. 



, The mushrooms will now show in various sizes, from pin-head to 

 lrge, full-grown specimens, singly and in dense clusters. As fast as 

 tliey reach the desired size twist them from their sockets. Do not cut 

 o" pull them. Keep the gills downward, to prevent dirt getting in them. 



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