254 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2 GEORGE V., A. 1912 



cap expands. The common mushroom is considered the best of all edible fungi. It is 

 practically the only species that is artificially grown, although other fungi are known 

 which would be easily rivals if cultivated. Those interested in the cultivation of 

 mushrooms are referred to Pamphlet A T o. 7, obtainable free of charge from the 

 Central Experimental Farm, which contains an admirable account of mushroom cul- 

 ture by Mr. W. T. Macoun, Dominion Eorticulturist. • 



the fairy ring i'i ngi s (Marasmius oreades, Fr.) 



This is still more common, but its excellent culinary qualities are known oidy 

 to few. It grows generally in lawns or meadows forming more or less regular 

 circle-. This mode of growth is responsible for the popular name 'fairy ring fungus.' 

 From the beginning of summer till the snow covers the ground this fungus may I e 

 found and, although small in size, its numbers generally make it possible to collect 

 in a short time enough for a meal. The cap measures from half an inch to one and 

 s-quarter inches stcross. The centre, corresponding to the place of attachment of the 

 stipe, is slightly raised even when the fungus is fully grown and the other part of the 

 cap is expanded. The whole plant is pale ochre in colour. The stipe is rather 

 leathery, one to two inches high and less than a quarter of an inch in thickness. The 

 gills are of the same colour, rather broad, and far apart. 



WILD RICE iZIZAXIA AQUATICA, L.) 

 (Fig. i.) 



From time to time, we receive requests for information on the growing of wild 

 rice, and particularly for assistance in securing good, viable seed for sowing. The 

 interest which has been thus shown to exist, and the general lack of success which 

 appears to have been met with, and which has led to these inquiries, has induced us to 

 give some attention to the subject, in the hope of being able to furnish letter informa- 

 tion than has been available heretofore. Our studies of the problems involved have 

 not proceeded far enough yet to allow of any report on them at this time; but a brief 

 general account of the subject, based on our observations during the last year or two, 

 and on the meagre literature at hand, seems advisable. It should serve to draw wider 

 notice to a little-regarded crop, which is after all, a resource of no mean importance 

 in the natural economy of the country. Such an account at this time and place, may 

 also help to bring us into touch with others who are directly interested in the improve- 

 ment of wild rice areas, and whose practical observations may be of the greatest value 

 to us in our investigations. 



Wild rice as a food for man, holds a place of some importance, especially among 

 certain of the Indians who continue to use large quantities of it, in preference to the 

 cereals introduced by white men. It is said to be a highly nutritious and well- 

 flavoured food which might be utilized to a much greater extent, if the methods of 

 growing, harvesting and preparing it for use were improved somewhat. Whether it 

 will become an article of commerce of much importance remains to be seen. For the 

 present, doubtless, it is of value, less commercially, than as an attraction for water- 

 fowl, and as a mean- of turning otherwise unproductive lake margins 1" some account. 

 It is a favourite food of these wild game birds, and its abundance in a locality doos 

 much t<> bring them about in numbers. It is thus of great practical interest to the 

 sportsman and to the owner of a water-front, who appreciates a natural cover com- 

 bined with the advantages id' an eagerly sought-for food for these birds. The advan- 

 tages will become prominent if any practical steps are taken to improve the 

 i ondition of the wild rice field-, or to introduce the crop into waters where it does net 

 already grow. 



