MUSHROOM MUSKMELON 157 



moist. The flake spawn is planted in the same way as the 

 brick spawn, only not quite so deep. 



At the end of eight or nine days the mulching should be 

 removed and the beds covered with a layer of good loam 2 

 inches thick, so that the Mushrooms can come up in and 

 through it. This gives them a firm hold, and to a large ex- 

 tent improves their quality and texture. Any fair loam will 

 do. That from an ordinary field, wayside or garden is 

 generally used, and it answers admirably. There exists an 

 idea that garden soil surfeited with old manure is unfit for 

 Mushroom beds because it is apt to produce spurious fungi. 

 This, however, is not the case. In fact, it is the earth most 

 commonly used. For molding the beds the loam should be 

 rather fine, free and mellow, so that it can be easily and 

 evenly spread and compacted firmly into the manure. 



If an even atmospheric temperature of from 55 to 60 F. 

 can be maintained, and the house or cellar containing the 

 Mushroom beds is kept close and free from drafts, the beds 

 may be left uncovered, and should be watered if they become 

 dry. But no matter where the beds are situated, it is well to 

 lay some loose hay or straw or some old matting or carpet 

 over them to keep them moist. The covering, however, 

 should be removed just as soon as the young Mushrooms 

 begin to appear above ground. If the atmosphere is dry, 

 the pathways and walls should be sprinkled with water. 

 The mulching should also be sprinkled, but not enough to 

 cause the water to soak into the bed. However, if the bed 

 should get dry, do not hesitate to water it. 



Muskmelon. The natural soil for melons is 

 a light, sandy loam, well enriched with rotted manure, 

 although good crops may be grown on soil naturally heavy 

 if the hills are prepared as they should be. When only 

 heavy soil is available, the dirt where the seeds are to be 

 planted should be thoroughly pulverized and mixed with 

 fine, well rotted manure. A sprinkling of leaf-mold or 

 chip-dirt will help to lighten it. On this hill from ten to 



