MUSHROOM GROWING 



bed which is the center of interest is almost 

 invariably sided. In my opinion, this type 

 of bed — other conditions being the same — 

 encourages the formation of heavier mush- 

 rooms. The desirability of growing all 

 varieties of mushrooms in the same type of 

 bed is frequently questioned. Undoubtedly 

 there are dififerent requirements to be met 

 between such species as Agaricus campestris 

 and A, fabaceus, or A. arvensis and A. silvi- 

 cola. Much experimental work is required 

 before any definite rules can be laid down 

 governing the practices with these diverse 

 forms. 



I have never been able to see the necessity 

 of giving the beds such depth that a bottom 

 heat may be temporarily maintained ; indeed 

 it is, I believe, preferable that with uniform 

 conditions the temperature of the beds 

 should very soon approximate that of the 

 air. When, however, beds are prepared in 

 cold frames, or in situations w^here the tem- 

 perature is likely to fall below that required, 



74' 



