78 buist's family kitchen gardener. 



tlie pile is three feet high ; next cover it with a small portion 

 of warm horse dung, sufficient in quantity to diffuse a gentle 

 glow of heat through the whole. When the spawn has spread 

 itself through every part of the brick, the process is ended, and 

 the bricks may then be laid up in a dry place for use." Mush- 

 room Spawn, made according to this direction, will preserve its 

 vegetative power many years, if well dried before it is laid up ; 

 but if moist, it will grow and exhaust itself 



Culture. — Of late years, the cultivation of this luxury has 

 become so simplified, that it is in the power of every farmer 

 and cottager to grow the article for u^e or sale. Any time 

 in October or November, collect from the stable daily the fresh 

 droppings, throw them into a heap, which prevent from heating 

 violently, by frequent turnings, and spreading it out thinly, 

 defending it from rain or water of any kind. When the quan- 

 tity of one, two, or three loads (according to resources) has 

 accumulated, and has lain in a heap two or three weeks, (which 

 time it will most likely require for all the parts to get into an 

 equal fermentation), as soon as it is observed that the fiery 

 heat and rank steam of the dung are gone off, it is ready for 

 use. Mushrooms can be grown in cellars, sheds, stables, or in 

 any other such building, where they will be protected. Where 

 it is intended to cultivate them permanently, a covered shed 

 will be found the most convenient place in which to perform 

 the necessary work. For this purpose a dry situation should be 

 chosen, the more sheltered the better, on which to build a shed of 

 sufficient dimensions. A bed four feet wide, and twelve feet 

 long, will give an ample suj^ply for a moderate-sized family. 

 The shed may however be erected ten feet wide and sixteen feet 

 long, giving space for working materials, and two beds if re- 

 quired. The shed should run from north to south, having a 

 close roof, and weather-boarded. With the exception of four 

 apertures as windows, to be covered with shutters, this erection 

 might be made ornamental having a portion of it for a tool- 



