558 KITCHEN GARDEN. 



4<2. MUSHROOMS. 



These may be raised in abundance on Melon beds, by 

 spawning them on the sides of the hills, and also on the 

 surface of the beds. This must be done when the bed 

 is earthed up for the last time. The strong loamy soil 

 used for Melons is much more congenial to the Mush- 

 room than the light soil used for Cucumbers ; and if it 

 is made still more firm by treading, it will be of very 

 great advantage. Nothing more is required than to 

 manage the bed and the Melons, as if no spawn had 

 been used. The warmth of the bed will soon cause the 

 spawn to run, and extend itself through to the surface 

 of the ground. In September or October following, 

 when the Melon plant is decaying, the bed must be 

 carefully cleaned, the glasses put on and kept close ; and 

 when the mould becomes dry, it must be frequently 

 watered, but not immediately, as too much wet would 

 destroy the spawn ; advantage should also be taken of 

 every gentle shower for the same purpose. The 

 moisture coming up on the dry earth produces a mo- 

 derate heat, which soon causes the Mushrooms to appear 

 in every part of the bed, in such abundance as even to 

 prevent each other's growth. Two bushels at a time 

 have frequently been gathered from a bed ten feet by 

 six, and have produced individual Mushrooms of nearly 

 two pounds' weight. The mould being kept warm by 

 the glasses, and properly watered, the Mushrooms will 

 continue to spring till the frosts of winter prevent their 

 further growth. After this, the bed, frame, &c. may 

 remain just as they are till the early part of the spring ; 

 and as soon as the frosts are supposed to be over, the 

 bed may be covered with straw, should the frame and 

 glasses be wanted for another purpose, when the warm 

 and enlivening showers of spring cause the Mushrooms 

 to be again produced in every part, till the drought of 



