22 MUSHROOM CULTURE. 



mind is the equal placing of the material. It should 

 be well mixed and regularly and firmly placed so that 

 the whole may be of a similar texture. Some h^vily 

 tramp and pound their beds to secure firmness; moderately 

 done this is beneficial ; thoroughly equable pressure with 

 the fork, when the fork can be used, will with the pressure 

 of firm earthing be sufficient; when beds are made on 

 elevated benches in boxes, and in all positions where but 

 a slight body of material is used, and where firmness can- 

 not result from the general pressure of the mass, some 

 kind of pressure with a wooden mallet or the like must 

 be employed. 



The beds once made, we next arrive at the spawning, 

 and will first inquire, What is spawn ? 



