28 BRITISH EDIBLE FUNGI. 



small quantity of well broken droppings over the 

 whole. In this state let it remain for two or three 

 weeks, when a loamy soil may be put on about an 

 inch or an inch and a half thick, and gently patted 

 with the spade. If the temperature of the house is 

 kept about 60° or 65°, mushrooms may be expected 

 in six weeks. It is not well to water the beds much, 

 particularly when bearing." But nearly every good 

 cultivator has his own method, or modification, and 

 is prepared to believe chiefly in himself. 



If there are different methods of cultivation, so 

 there are different methods also of cooking mush- 

 rooms, the two old popular methods of grilling, or 

 stewing, notwithstanding. Open grilling, or frying, 

 is by no means to be recommended for any fungi, 

 especially those of delicate flavour. The best plan is 

 to lay them, when prepared, in a plate, or shallow 

 dish, and cover them with another, and then place 

 them in an oven, so that they are cooked gradually, 

 and all the aroma and delicate flavour retained, all 

 necessary adjuncts, such as butter, salt, pepper, or 

 gravy having been added. When fried or grilled, 

 whilst exposed, much of the aroma and flavour dis- 

 appears up the chimney. A modification of the 

 above method may thus be formulated : — Having 

 picked a number of freshly-gathered mushrooms, cut 

 them in pieces, wash in cold water, and dry them in 

 a cloth. Put them in a pan, with butter, parsley, 

 salt, and pepper ; cover closely, and place them over 



