CHARACTERISTICS OF AGARICUS 



(see frontispiece). Under the best condi- 

 tions for commercial mushroom production 

 a week or ten days will elapse between pin 

 heads and maturity. Commercial mush- 

 rooms are graded highest if picked just be- 

 fore the veil breaks. 



The mycelium, or spawn, pervading the 

 substratum in all directions absorbs the 

 necessary water, as well as the organic and 

 inorganic food materials required for its 

 growth; and at the same time there accu- 

 mulates a considerable surplus. This ac- 

 cumulation of food materials is shown by 

 the rapidity with which mushrooms are pro- 

 duced, once the process is started. 



17 



