39 



In picking, grasp the mushroom by the cap (a large one by both 

 cap and stem), twisting it to remove it easily from the soil. Where 

 the mushrooms come up in large united clusters, it will be best to 

 cut them, in order not to disturb the mycelial connections of all. 

 Some good growers practice "cutting" throughout, but the stubs 

 must decay and are a source of danger. After all good mushrooms 

 from a cluster have been taken, remove any fleshy spawn masses 

 adhering and add fresh loam. 



As they are picked, the mushrooms are put into shallow baskets 

 and taken to a sorting and packing table. The stems are cut off and 

 any adhering loam is brushed from the cap. It is true that mush- 

 rooms keep somewhat better if the stub is left attached and the loam 

 removed by rubbing, but except in special cases this procedure is 

 not to be recommended. It is not necessary to cut the stem off short, 

 but the market demands that there shall be few long shanks. 



For the best trade it is desirable to "sort" the mushrooms, placing 

 only those of nearly the same size in the same package. It is cer- 

 tainly not well to pack together "broilers" and buttons, if this can 

 be avoided. Defective mushrooms should be invariably thrown out. 

 Mushrooms should be treated as a first-grade product in every way, 

 and therefore the package must be attractive. If the time involved 

 in shipment is not very long, they may be put into 5-pound boxes 

 arranged in crates as prepared for fruit. Shipment may also be made 

 in boxes of sizes demanded by the general or private trade. Baskets 

 afford excellent ventilation, yet boxes are often to be preferred. If 

 the latter are lined with a blue paraffin or oiled paper, a good color 

 contrast will result and the package will be made much more attrac- 

 tive. 



Market Prices. 



The prices paid for mushrooms in America are unusually vari- 

 able. Perhaps it is fair to say that one should consider from 35 to 

 50 cents per pound a good average price. In many cities and towns 

 30 cents would be as much as could be obtained. On the other hand, 

 a price of 75 cents is frequently paid. The unusual quotation of $1 or 

 more is not to be expected. It is true that for a fine grade of mush- 

 rooms such prices are paid to retailers by the fancy trade, and during 

 special seasons or for special occasions. The grower may weU look 

 for the time, however, when the market demands will support a gen- 

 erous supply at a constant but fair price. 



The Period of Production. 

 Under favorable circumstances, a bed may come into bearing 

 within six weeks. It usually requires, however, a longer period, and 

 eight weeks may more nearly represent the average conditions. If 

 the conditions have been variable, and especially if at times a very 

 low temperature has prevailed, bearing may be still further delayed. 



