CHAPTER III. 



MUSH BOOM-SPAWN. 



* 



THE first thing we have to determine is, "What is spawn ? 

 Generally,, the spawn, or what in scientific language is 

 called the mycelium, is supposed to be analogous to seed, 

 while it really is what may be termed the vegetation of 

 the plant, or something analogous to roots, stems, and 

 leaves of ordinary plants, the visible part or stem, head 

 and gills, of the mushroom being, in fact, the fructifica- 

 tion, though in such an apparent preponderance to the 

 other parts. A knowledge of the anatomy and life- 

 history of the mushroom is not necessary to the cul- 

 tivator, and is not familiar even to those who make of 

 mushrooms a study. We know that the gills are 

 simply surfaces on which germs or spores are produced. 

 The membrane that covers the spore plates of a single 

 mushroom would cover a large space if spread out, and 

 the spores are counted by myriads. We can see them 

 clearly enough under the microscope can see in what 

 manner they are borne on and fixed to the gills ; but of 

 the history of their lives, from the time they fall from the 



