MUSHROOMS 235 



water should be 75° or 80°. Alter the soil has been placed on the beds, it is 

 well to cover them with hay or straw, say about an inch in thickness, as a preven- 

 tion against rapid evaporation, until the Mushrooms start to come through, 

 when the material should be removed. 



I am often asked what time elapses between spawnin-i and the gathering of 

 the Mushrooms. I cannot answer this question with any degree of certainty. 

 I have gathered Mushrooms within five weeks of spawning, and at other times 

 I have had to wait considerably longer. Why this should be so is difficult to 

 explain. Two theories have been advanced to account for it. In the first place, 

 manure and moisture must work together just right for the quick action of spawn; 

 then, again, we may be fortunate at times in securing spawn with more life in 

 it. If we have gathered one rousing crop, we naturally try to make the next bed 

 just like it. There is probably more elation over a successful crop of Mushrooms 

 than over any other crop. 



The habit of this fungus when grown by Nature's unaided cllorts shows 

 plainly that it delights in an atmosphere charged with moisture. In the latter 

 part of September, when dews are prevalent, the Mushrooms may be seen 

 pushing their way through the pasture land. While the sod may often be dry, 

 the dampness in the air from the fogs during the night and morning calls them 

 forth. Therefore, when we grow them artificially, we should keep up a fairly 

 moist, humid atmosphere, and this may be done by keeping the wails and walks 

 moist. 



When the first crop is gathered, a little fresh soil may be added to the bed, 

 with watering if necessary, and a light application of soda, and the chances are 

 that a new crop \\ill appear within a short time. But this depends on circum- 

 stances. Some beds may be kept lively for at least three months, while others 

 will not last half that time. No rules can be laid down here but the one: hold 

 on to a bed as long as it is profitable to do so, whether it is for two months or lour 

 months. 



Judgment should be used in gathering, for serious damage ma\' be done by 

 carelessness. The best way is to take each Mushroom separately, and pull 

 rather than cut it; if it is twisted gentlx' off its stem, the >oung, undeveloped 

 ones near it will not be disturbed. 



Having described the general method of culture, I will add a few words as 

 to my own method. Get the manure fresh from the stable and add about one- 

 half of old Mushroom manure, or enough to prevent burning. Mix the two thor- 

 oughly; leave the mixture in a pile for one da.\- and then make the bed. The 

 moisture in both manures should be about equal. Made in this way beds will 

 hold the moisture perhaps longer than when made in the way above mentioned 

 and it is certainly a saving of time and labor. I have grown many successful 

 crops in such beds and have not found them inferior to any others. \\'ith the 

 proper Mushroom temperature, congenial atmospheric conditions and a due 

 amount of care, there is no occasion for failure. 



Proper temperature is an important matter. Mushrooms will thri\c splen- 

 didly in 55°, or if kept at 60° when the spawn first begins to run, which can be 

 detected by its weblike appearance spreading all over the surface, it would be 



