34 



finding spawn in his pastures, or in his manure piles, or having it appear 

 spontaneously, as it is termed, in prepared beds; and this spawn he 

 has used in the propagation of other spawn by a process which we may 

 liken to that of propagation by cuttings. 



Commercial Mushroom Growing. 

 The successful cultivation of mushrooms in America has not been so 

 general as in most European countries. It is in France and in England 

 that the mushroom industry has been best developed. France is, 

 properly speaking, the home of the present mushroom industry. 

 Unusual interest has been shown in the United States in the growth 

 of mushrooms within the past few years, and it is to be hoped and 

 expected that within the next ten years the industry will develop to 

 the fullest extent of the market demands. The latter will, of course, 

 be stipulated and developed by the increasing popular appreciation of 

 this product. In some cities and towns there is already a good market 

 demand for mushrooms, while in others thej^ may be sold only directly 

 to special customers. This should be borne in mind by prospective 

 growers. 



Causes of Failure. 

 Success in mushroom growing depends on intelligent study of con- 

 ditions and on experience. While many American growers have been 

 successful in the production of mushrooms, a much larger number have 

 failed. In most cases their failures have been due to one or more of 

 the following causes : — 



1. Use of poor spawn, or of spawn which has been killed bj^ improper 

 storage. 



2. Spawning at a temperature injuriously high. 



3. The use of too much water, either at the time of spawning or 

 later. 



4. Unfavorable temperature during the growing period. 



It is therefore important to the prospective grower that careful 

 attention be given to the general discussion of conditions which follows. 



Temperature and Moisture. 

 Mushrooms may be grown in any place where the conditions of 

 temperature and moisture are favorable. A shed, cellar, cave, or vacant 

 space in a greenhouse may be utiUzed to advantage for this purpose. 

 The most essential factor is that of temperature. The proper tempera- 

 ture ranges from 53° to 60° F., with the best 55° to 58° F. It is unsafe 

 to attempt to grow mushrooms on a commercial basis, according to our 

 present knowledge of the subject, at a temperature much less than 50° 

 or greater than 63° F. Any severe changes of temperature retard 

 growth, or else act injuriously, and many changes of temperature would 

 entirely destroy the profits of the mushroom crop. From this it is 



