154 AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. 



been soaked and stirred. When finished, the last layer being 

 loam, it must be covered with stable manure sufficient, with 

 that already in the bed, to bring on a gentle fermentation. 

 In a few weeks the " spawn" ought to be found spreading 

 generally in the mass, and whenever this occurs the covering 

 of manure is to be taken off, and the straw substituted, as 

 above directed. After this, if it becomes very dry, it may 

 have occasional gentle waterings with lukewarm water. 



In this process, however, success or failure will greatly de- 

 pend on the skill with which the fermentation is tempered ; 

 so that, in general, planting the spawn may be deemed more 

 reliable. A mushroom bed properly treated will continue to 

 yield its products for three or four months if a temperature 

 equal to moderate spring or fall warmth be maintained, say 

 about 60. 



Mushrooms are very greatly esteemed by many on account 

 of their rich, peculiar, and high flavor, whether stewed, or 

 fried in sweet fat, or made into catsup in the ordinary mode, 

 with suitable spices. 



In gathering wild mushrooms there is sometimes danger of 

 getting by mistake other kinds of fungi which may be poison- 

 ous. The true mushroom has a short stout stem, reddish gills, 

 and an agreeable odor, considerably resembling the smell of 

 the fruit of the egg-plant. 



Another variety of eatable mushroom (Agaricus Edulis), 

 known as the " steeple-top," is sometimes found, though much 

 more rarely than the former. 



In the lots it comes earlier than the common, with a longer 

 stem and conical top, but having, like it, a pleasant smell. It 

 has not, I think, been raised artificially. 



MUSTARD. 



French, Mmtarde. German, Sen/. Spanish, Mostaza. 



WHITE (REALLY YELLOW). BROWN. 



BRIEF DIRECTIONS. 



Sow the white mustard thickly in shallow drills a foot apart 

 from time to time through the season, each time one week 



