MUSHROOM SPAWX. 79 



spawn, as we call it, and break it up into pieces, and 

 plant these pieces separately in a prepared bed of manure 

 or other material, under conditions favorable for their 

 growth, and we tind that these pieces of spawn develop 

 into vigorous plants that bear fruit (mushrooms) in 

 about two months from planting time. When the spawn 

 has borne its full crop of fruit it dies. 



Well, then, if we can not produce spawn from spores, 

 and the spawn in the beds that have borne mushrooms 

 has died out, how are we to get the spawn for out future 

 crops ? is a question that may suggest itself to the inex- 

 perienced. By securing it when it is in its most vigor- 

 ous condition, which is before it begins to show signs of 

 forming mushrooms, and drying it, and keeping it dry 

 till required for use. But in order to secure the spawn 

 we need to take and keep with it the nianure to which 

 it adheres or in which it is spreading. In this way it 

 can be kept in good condition for several years and with- 

 out its vitality being "perceptibly impaired. Keeping it 

 dry merely suspends its growth ; as soon as it is again 

 " submitted to favorable conditions of moisture and heat 

 its pristine activity returns. 



Mushroom spawn can be obtained at any seed store. 

 Our seedsmen always keep it in stock, both the brick 

 (English), and the flake (French) spawn. It is retailed 

 in quantities of one pound or more, and as the article 

 is perfectly dry it can be easily sent by mail in small 

 quantities. 



The seedsmen import it from Europe every year along 

 with their seeds. A prominent Boston seedsman writes 

 me : " We get our supply through the London whole- 

 sale seedsmen, for the sake of convenience and cheaper 

 ocean freight, etc. Coming with a shipment of other 

 goods and on same bill of lading brings the freight 

 charges down. The low price at which mushroom 

 spawn is sold in quantity can only be maintained with 



