74 MUSHROOM CULTURE. 



as with us, but simply spread through short, partly-decom- 

 posed, manure.* 



I was informed that coal-mines are not adapted for grow- 

 ing mushrooms, and the smallest particle of iron in the 

 beds of manure is avoided by the spawn, a circle around 

 it remaining inert. It is said to be the same with coal. 

 If an evil-disposed workman wishes to injure his employer, 

 he has only to slip along by the beds with a pocketful 

 of rusty old nails, and insert one here and there. 



Fig. 25. View in old subterranean quarries devoted to mushroom cul- 

 ture, and in the occupation of M. Eenaudot. Sept. 29, 1868. 



The beds remain in good bearing generally about two 

 months, but sometimes last twice and three times as long. 

 A. useful contrivance for facilitating the watering of the 



* Mr. Speed, superintendent of the gardens at Chatsworth, has re- 

 ently prepared his own spawn, as described on p. 73, and with perfect 

 uccess. 



