6o GARDENING 



Mr. Henry de Vilmorin writes that mushrooms 

 can be produced easily everywhere, and in all 

 seasons, with a little care. The essential conditions 

 are to lease a very rich soil and a uniform tempera- 

 ture, which should be kept from rising above 86° 

 or falling lower than 50° Fahr. 



To construct the bed, although horse-dung is 

 generally employed for this purpose, all other warm 

 manures are suitable, such as those of goats, sheep, 

 rabbits, or fowls. The manure should not contain 

 too much straw, neither should it be too close or 

 too highly charged with ammonia. 



The dung, whatever it is, should undergo a pre- 

 paration to moderate the fermentation, which will 

 at the same time make it more durable and 

 equal. As soon as the dung has been taken from 

 the stable it should be put into square heaps 

 about one yard in height, and all foreign sub- 

 stances removed. It should be well mixed with a 

 fork. 



The parts which seem to be dry should be 

 moistened, and then trim or press firmly together 

 the sides of the heap. It is to be left in this state 

 until the heat becomes excessive, which condition 

 will be known by the white colour of the 

 most odorous parts, which takes place in from six 

 to ten days after the heap is made. The heap must 

 then be broken down, the manure shaken up, and 

 the heap rebuilt, taking care to place the manure 

 that was outside, and of which the fermentation is 

 the most backward, in the inside. 



Generally, some days after the heap has been 

 turned, fermentation will be so great that the heap 

 will have to be thrown down and remade. 



Sometimes, however, after the second working 



