XII. 



CULTIVATION". 



THE cultivation of fungi in this country for esculent purposes 

 is confined to a single species, and yet there is no reason why, 

 by a series of well-conducted experiments, means should not 

 be devised for the cultivation of others, for instance, Maras- 

 mius oreadeSj and the morel. Efforts have been made on the 

 Continent for the cultivation of truffles, but the success has 

 hitherto been somewhat doubtful. For the growth of the com- 

 mon mushroom, very little trouble and care is required, and 

 moderate success is certain. A friend of ours some years since 

 was fortunate enough to have one or two specimens of the large 

 puff-ball, Lycoperdon giganteum, growing in his garden. Know- 

 ing its value, and being particularly fond of it when fried for 

 breakfast, he was anxious to secure its permanence. The spot 

 on which the specimens appeared was marked off and guarded, 

 so that it was never desecrated by the spade, and the soil 

 remained consequently undisturbed. Year after year, so long 

 as he resided on the premises, he counted upon and gathered 

 several specimens of the puff-ball, the mycelium continuing to 

 produce them year after year. All parings, fragments, &c., not 

 utilized of the specimens eaten were cast on this spot to rot, so 

 that some of the elements might be returned to the soil. This 

 was not true cultivation perhaps, as the fungus had first estab- 

 lished itself, but it was preservation, and had its reward. It 

 must be admitted, however, that the size and number of speci- 

 mens diminished gradually, probably from exhaustion of the 

 soil. This fungus, though strong, is much approved by many 

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