42 . 



molded in a frame of the size desired, the material being pounded into 

 the frame by means of a mallet. If one follows the most common 

 method, the bricks are only slightly dried, and then spawned. A 

 piece of virgin spawn is inserted at either end, immediately after which 

 they are rapidly dried before being stacked for the growth of the spawn. 

 By another process the bricks are immediately dried without the in- 

 sertion of the spawn material, which is later placed in depressions 

 made between two adjacent bricks as they are being stacked for the 

 growth of the spawn. In stacking, the bricks are arranged in layers 

 of one or two bricks in thickness, depending upon the method of spawn- 

 ing. Upon each layer there is placed a very thin stratum of fresh 

 manure containing a little clean straw. After the layer of manure is 

 added a very slight watering with a rose spray is given. The whole is 

 then covered with clean straw or litter and left for several weeks, 

 when, under favorable conditions, it should be found upon investiga- 

 tion that the spawn has "run" throughout the brick. Occasional ex- 

 amination of the bricks should be made where experience is lacking, in 

 order to see that they are not too moist and that the growth may not 

 go too far. When properly made the bricks should be well penetrated 

 by a mold-like growth of mycelium. A considerable cording or thread- 

 ing of the mycelium indicates unfavorable conditions, or that the 

 growth has progressed too far. The latter usually means that the 

 spawn may not prove as vigorous as is desirable. 



Storage of Spawn. 

 It is possible to ruin good spawn by improper storage, even in a 

 relatively short period of time. Spawn should be kept in a place that 

 will be both cool and dry, but never hot and dry. This should be re- 

 membered by both seedsmen and growers, for many failures may un- 

 doubtedly be attributed to the improper storage to which the material 

 has been subjected. 



