Mushrooms 



Mushrooms 



cap, with that portion of the stalk above the ring, 

 is usually all that is gathered for use. This is the 

 fruiting portion of the fungus, the vegetative 

 portion consisting of threads or rnycelia (spawn) 

 that ramify in the soil or dung, and feed upon 

 decaying vegetable matter. 



Edible Mushrooms. The common or field Mush- 

 room naturally grows in pastures, fields, and open 

 places, particularly where horses have been graz- 

 ing. If the gills are pink or pale salmon when 

 young and fresh, it is safe to sajf that the speci- 

 mens belong to this species. The gills become 

 brown or black with age, and in an advanced stage 

 they should not be used. The Meadow or Horse 

 Mushroom (A. arvensis) is common in similar 



dung, permeated with the mycelium. Artificial 

 cultivation is pursued in winter and spring ; but 

 with the advent of summer the prevailing temper- 

 ature is usually too high, while the grubs of 

 certain flies feed in such numbers in the Mush- 

 rooms as to render them useless. Summer crops 

 raised out of doors are resorted to, to keep up the 

 supply till the advent of the uncultivated harvest 

 of the open meadows. 



Preparation of Manure. Horse droppings should 

 be collected from the stables every morning where 

 possible. Shake the rank litter out, and pile the 

 droppings in a heap to ferment in an open shed 

 where the roof will keep it dry. Turn the heap at 

 intervals to prevent violent heating, and if the 



Photo: (}. E. .\ 



GOOD CLUSTERS OF MuSKHOOMS. 



places in. the autumn; but while larger, it has a 

 less delicate flavour. St. George's Mushroom (A. 

 gambosus), with a large, nearly white cap, pale 

 yellowish gills, and no ring on the stalk, appears in 

 spring, and makes delicate and pleasant eating. 

 The Fairy King Mushroom (Marasmius oreades) 

 forms rings on lawns and pastures, and may be 

 recognised by this as well as its small size, and few, 

 whitish gills. Coprinus comatus may be distin- 

 guished by its cylindrical and pure white cap, 

 covered with cloth-like scales. It should be 

 gathered while the gills are white or slightly tinted 

 with pink, not afterwards. It soon becomes purple, 

 then black, and passes quickly into an inky-looking 

 fluid. The above are all common and edible 

 species. 



Cultivation. Spawn of the cultivated Mushroom 

 is usually obtained from dealers in the form of 

 bricks consisting of a mixture of clay and cow 



latter is likely to take place sprinkle the manure 

 through a rosed watering pot. being careful not to 

 give too much, or the fermentation will be retarded 

 or entirely checked. When sufficient for a bed has 

 been obtained, begin another heap with the fresh 

 additions from the stables. Avoid wetting the 

 manure too much, especially in winter, and reject 

 manure from horses that have been having 

 medicine, or the Mushroom beds will result in 

 failure. 



Indoor Culture. A cellar not connected with a 

 dwelling house is a good place for Mushroom beds, 

 but any outhouse that can be closed may be used 

 for the purpose. Where a large supply is required, 

 a Mushroom house should be built on purpose, on 

 the north aspect of a wall or other convenient 

 place near hothouses whence a hot-water pipe 

 or two can be introduced to maintain a temper- 

 ature of 50 to 55 at all times. The house may 



