SPAWNING AND CARE OF BEDS 



too easily, and the latter (especially where 

 artificial heat is employed) is subject to 

 baking. Moreover, a woods-mould would 

 also be objectionable, partially on account 

 of the abundance of other fungi in this ma- 

 terial, but especially because of the tendency 

 to increase the number of fruits at the ex- 

 pense of size. Either a good garden loam, 

 a potting soil, or such a soil as is usually 

 found just beneath a grass sod is excellent. 



Care after casing. One of the chief diffi- 

 culties in mushroom growing is encountered 

 in caring for the beds after spawning, al- 

 though the only factor to be considered be- 

 sides temperature is that of moisture of the 

 bed and air. Many amateurs drench the 

 bed with water and destroy the spawn, oth- 

 ers are afraid to water even when there is 

 rapid drying out; in consequence, the spawn 

 will not grow near the surface of the bed, 

 and hence will not bear mushrooms. When 

 the casing material is applied the compost 

 should be exactly correct as regards the 

 amount of moisture. The casing soil should 



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