588 



MUSHROOMS. EDIBLE AND OTHERWISE 



greenhouses, or specially constructed mushroom houses. A convenient disposi- 

 tion of the shelves in a cellar is shown in Fugure 498. A large installation for 

 commercial purposes is shown in Figure 500, and a specially constructed cellar is 

 shown in Figure 499. Where abandoned mines, natural or artificial caves are 

 available, the required atmospheric conditions are often found combined and may 

 Be uniformly maintained throughout the year. 



BOILER 



PERSPECTIVE OE HEATINq PIPES. 



Figure 499. Specially Constructed Mushroom Houses. 



TEMPERATURE. Within the limits prescribed, the temperature should 

 be uniform throughout the growth of the crop. When too cold, the development 

 of the spawn will be retarded or arrested. A high temperature will favor the 

 development of molds and bacteria which will soon destroy the spawn or the 

 growing crop. The cultivation of the mushroom, as a summer crop, is therefore 

 greatly restricted. As a fall, winter or spring crop it may be grown wherever 

 means are at hand to raise the temperature to about 58 F. Many florists are 

 utilizing the waste space under the benches for that purpose ; they have the ad- 

 vantage of being able to use the expended material of mushroom beds in grow- 

 ing flowers. 



MOISTURE. Moisture is an important factor in the cultivation of the 

 mushroom, and demands intelligent application. The mushroom requires an 

 atmosphere nearly saturated with moisture, and yet the direct application of 

 water on the beds is more or less injurious to the growing crop. It is therefore 

 essential that the beds, when made, contain the requisite amount of moisture, 

 and that this moisture be not lost by excessive evaporation. They should be 

 protected from a dry atmosphere or strong draughts. Where watering becomes 

 necessary, it should be applied in a fine spray around the beds with a view of 

 restoring the moisture to the atmosphere, and on the beds after the mushrooms 

 have been gathered. 



