108 MUSHROOMS, HOW TO GKOW THEM. 



induces greater fertility in the spawn, or, in other words, 

 induces the spawn to spread further and produce more 

 mushrooms than it would were no topdressing applied. 

 I know that this is contrary to the opinions and writings 

 of many, at the same time it is according to my own 

 observation. 



Go over the bed very carefully and pick out every soft 

 or "fogged-off" mushroom, no matter how small it may 

 be, and root out every bit of old mushroom stem or 

 tough spongy material formed by it, and in this way get 

 the bed thoroughly cleaned. Then fill up all the holes 

 caused by pulling the mushrooms or rooting out the old 

 stumps, and when the whole surface is level apply the 

 topdressing evenly all over the face of the bed, avoiding, 

 as much as possible, burying the well advanced mush- 

 rooms. While it would be very well to pack the dress- 

 ing smoothly over the bed, it is impracticable ;^we may 

 press it gently with the back of the hand on the bare 

 spots between the mushrooms, but we should not even 

 do this over the mushrooms, no matter how tiny they 

 may be, else many of the " pinheads " will be injured 

 and cause "fogging off." 



But we can firm the dressing lo the bed by watering 

 it, which may be done over the whole surface of the bed, 

 and without s))aring the mushrooms, large or small. 

 Use clear water and apply it gently through a water-pot 

 rose. I always do this, and have never known it to 

 injure the young mushrooms. 



In the case of mushroom beds in which black spot has 

 appeared in the crop, I have fonnd that a topdressing of 

 fine, fresh earth applied evenly all over the bed acts, to 

 a certain extent, as a preventive of further attack, but 

 of course has no effect upon any of the already affected 

 mushrooms, large or small. 



