88 POPULAR VEGETABLES 



when he can couple with it the trade of spawn 

 making, this branch of market gardening is without 

 doubt one of the most remunerative. 



The out-of-door beds are formed in the shape 

 of wedge-shaped ridges, and these measure, when 

 they are built, rammed and completed, two and 

 a half feet wide at the base, the same in height, 

 and the ridge six inches wide at the top. The 

 material for these outside beds had better have a 

 larger proportion of short straw in its composition 

 than advised for indoor beds, for the reason that the 

 heat would be longer retained, and also that the rain 

 would be more effectually thrown off during the 

 winter. As soon as the beds are formed, and are in 

 a condition to receive the spawn, insert it, taking care 

 that the temperature is not above 82 and on the 

 decline. These conditions being secured, the beds 

 must be earthed up in a similar manner that Potato 

 clamps are earthed up. When this operation is com- 

 pleted, the beds should have a good watering with 

 warm water, and afterwards beaten with the back of 

 a spade until the surface is of a pasty consistency. 

 This will conserve the heat of the bed much longer 

 than if left rough. During warm summer months 

 the amount of necessary covering will be compara- 

 tively small, and the best material to use is the straw 

 taken out of the Mushroom bed material. As winter 

 advances, a heavier covering will be necessary, indeed, 

 the condition of the weather must govern the amount 

 of protecting material to be applied, and as long as 



