382 



BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



and covered up superficially with the soil. When spawning 

 is completed, compact the surface of the bed all over. After 

 this is accomplished, the bed can again be covered with 

 straw, and in the course of eight or nine days the straw is 

 removed and the bed covered with two inches of good, mel- 

 low loam. Care should be taken that the temperature of 

 the bed does not exceed 80° F. after covering, as in that 

 case one is likely to lose the crop. 



Temperature and Moisture. — Before the mushrooms have 

 made their appearance through the loam, a temperature of 

 from 65° to 75° F. may be obtained ; but after the mush- 



FlG. 5. — Cross-section of a mushroom house. The house is constructed of wood and 

 banked up with earth, and the earth covered with hay or straw. 



rooms have commenced to develop, the temperature should 

 be kept about 55° F. If the temperature goes above 60° F., 

 some means should be employed to lower it ; and if it goes 

 below 50° F., it should be raised either by covering the 

 beds or b}' applying artificial heat. Beds should never be 

 allowed to become too dry, and must be kept tolerably 

 moist, either by employing matting or old carpets before 

 the nmshrooms appear, or by sprinkling with water. 



Houses. — Where special attention is given to commer- 

 cial mushroom growing, houses are constructed which are 

 adapted to the growth of this crop. The style of houses 

 shown in Figs. 4 and 5 represents types that have been util- 



