130 WARM SEASON VEGETABLES 



water is used it will start the growth and the heating of the manure 

 more promptly. Experience is necessary to make a success of the 

 mushroom bed. With favorable conditions results are very grat- 

 ifying. Even when the best rules are followed carefully the results 

 are sometimes discouraging. Conditions must be studied closely. 

 The average gardener without experience is not willing to study 

 the conditions enough. The temperature must not be too warm 

 nor too cold. Most of the light must be excluded. Plenty of 

 water must be in the soil without drowning it. The spawn must be 

 fresh and must not be killed during the starting period. 



Mushrooms are coming more into favor. They are fried in 

 butter or other fresh grease and are served as beef steak. They 

 may be made into stews or used in soups. They are not only 

 palatable, but have considerable nutritive value. 



Mushrooms found in the woods or garden may be gathered 

 while fresh. Care must be exercised to distinguish the edible ones 

 from the poisonous kinds. 



EXERCISES, SURVEYS, AND PROJECTS 



1-4. Suggestions Nos. 1 to 4 at the close of Chapter X should de applied 

 to the present chapter. 



5-6. Suggestions for drying and canning given in Nos. 9 and 10, Chapter 

 XI, should be considered here with reference to the hot weather crops. Dry 

 or can corn and beans, can tomatoes, (make preserves of the small ones). Dry 

 or can egg-plant, peppers, squash, pumpkin, and okra. 



7. Salting and pickling a cucumber crop may be a part of a project in 

 cucumber production. See directions in U. S. Farmers' Bulletin 881. Keep 

 record of cost and profits. Use watermelon rinds also for sweet pickles. Snap 

 beans may be brined or pickled. 



8. Home garden projects may be carried on by all students. Each pro- 

 ject may include all the general garden crops or may be confined to special 

 crops grown on a larger scale, as cantaloupes, watermelons, sweet corn, etc. 

 Each project should include production, management, harvesting, storing, use, 

 marketing, etc. Records should be kept in each case of the cost, value, profits, 

 or labor income. 



9. Exhibits of garden products should be made once a year to which the 

 people are invited. The products should be judged whether premiums are 

 offered or not. Include fresh specimens shown in attractive market conditions, 

 and products stored, canned, dried, salted and pickled. 



10. Debates. — Resolved, that there is more money in growing musk- 

 melons than in growing watermelons. 



Resolved, that there is more profit in growing cucumbers for market, salt- 

 ing and pickling, than in watermelons or muskmelons . 



11. Surveys. — Let each student report for his neighborhood the areas 

 devoted to each of the crops of this chapter; including variety of preferences, 

 uses, diseases, marketing methods, etc. 



