76 



egg may be used ; a hole should be made with the 

 fingers about two inches deep, the spawn inserted, and 

 the material of the bed closed about it. Probably 

 by this time there will be no danger of overheating, 

 and if so, the soil may be put on ; if, however, there 

 is any inclination to overheat, wait till it has passed 

 off before putting on the soil. The soil used should 

 be decomposed turfy loam, moderately dry, so as to 

 bear compression without running together like paste, 

 but damp enough to become firm, close, and even, when 

 beaten closely. About two inches in^thickness should be 

 put on, and this is to be beaten down quite firm and 

 close. The beds are then finished. It is as well to 

 cover the surface with a thin layer of short hay, to 

 prevent it becoming quite dry. Mushroom beds sel- 

 dom require water ; after they have been some time in 

 bearing, the beds sometimes get dry, and in such 

 cases, if they have a moderate soaking of tepid water, 

 and the surface is covered as before, a new crop will 

 spring up. The covering is best removed when the 

 beds are in bearing. It is seldom advisable to apply 

 water when the beds are coming into bearing. Water 

 should never be used in any other than a tepid state. 



Mushrooms are most prized in the summer, though 

 the atmosphere of a cucumber-house would not then 

 be suitable for them, unless the space about them 

 could be closed in, so as to retain a close, somewhat 

 humid atmosphere. They would succeed very well 

 without being enclosed, during the season for forcing 

 cucumbers. 



Under the treatment which has been detailed, the 

 beds would usually come into bearing in about six 

 weeks from the time of spawning ; and, under favour- 

 able circumstances, would continue in bearing for two 

 or three months. 



