How to Have a Good Garden 239 



to 65 degrees, its normal temperature when the bed is 

 ready for the spawn. 



The bricks are divided into eight equal pieces, which 

 are inserted into the bed (lifting the manure) 2 inches 

 deep, 12 inches apart. After about 15 or 20 days the 

 spawn will be germinating, which may be noticed by the 

 bluish specks around the insertions. This is the sign 

 to cover the beds with a layer of good soil, virgin and 

 calcareous preferred. This layer must not exceed l 1 /^ 

 inches, after which the bed is lightly sprinkled. 



The mushroom, being a plant, needs air; therefore a 

 good system of ventilation must be established, which is 

 worked at night. The ventilation openings are made on 

 the east and west sides. 



The passage between the beds must be sprinkled when 

 necessary to keep the humidity constant. The beds 

 must be sprinkled very moderately. Before the crop 

 appears, it is better to not sprinkle at all. 



It takes three months from the reception of the 

 manure till the first picking, and the harvest lasts, also, 

 about three months. By dividing the space a system of 

 rotation can be established to assure a continuous pro- 

 duction. 



