130 THE GARDENER. [March 



what would be still better, straw hurdles upheld on, say, two or three 

 bricks, as temporary supports, to keep them clear of the beds, and also 

 perhaps covered with hay), which helps considerably to husband the 

 remaining warmth. In a little over six weeks the Mushrooms appear, 

 and in this instance I have seen as good crops of that worthy esculent 

 produced as in places of far greater pretensions. Therefore it is evi- 

 dent that there are many other places in the country, that even many 

 farmers could take advantage of, where, although the convenience 

 cannot be called first-rate, good Mushrooms may be produced in 

 many ways after a somewhat similar method. 



Robert Mackellar. 



REMARKS ON THE CULTIVATION" OF THE 

 MUSHROOM. 



I MEAN to allude particularly to the soil I use in the construction of the beds. 

 In autumn I select soil from the places where Mushrooms grow most abundantly, 

 remove it about 6 inches deep, and replace with other turf if necessary. A few 

 cartloads are sufficient for several beds, and it ought to be protected from frost and 

 wet. I put about 2 inches on the surface of the beds, mixed with a small portion 

 of manure, and also mix some soil with the manure in the formation of the beds. 

 I find the produce more abundant and better in quality since I used the soil from 

 the places where the Mushrooms naturally grow. S. Koss. 



HiGHcr.ERE Castle Gardens, Hants. 



A FEW WORDS ABOUT HOLLYHOCKS. 



The Hollyhock is not so generally grown as its decorative qualities 

 entitle it to. When grown amongst shrubs in situations moderately 

 sheltered, few plants produce a finer floral display during the autumn 

 months. The great drawback to its cultivation is the liability of the 

 plants to get broken with the winds; but if secured when 18 inches 

 high to suitable stakes, this objection is at once got over. At planting- 

 time give each plant a few spadefuls of rotten manure, and if possible 

 a little fresh soil ; press the earth firmly round the plants ; and if 

 the ground is dry, give a good watering. In due time stake each 

 plant, and as the stems advance in growth, secure them thereto with 

 strong ties of matting. If the above simple hints are attended to, 

 the result in most instances will be satisfactory. 



When Hollyhocks are grown for exhibition, they must have a plot of 

 ground devoted to themselves ; let the situation be as sheltered as 

 possible, but not near to anything that would in the least obstruct the 



