140 MLSHEOOMS, HOW TO GKOW THEM. 



old Russia mats and any other sort of cloth or carpet 

 covering obtainable is laid over tlie litter on the beds 

 and weighted down with poles, boards, stones, or any- 

 thing else that is convenient. Do not disturb this cov- 

 ering for about four weeks, and then on a dry day strip 

 it off and shake up the litter loosely so as to dry it. If 

 there is any white mold on the surface of the soil take a 



Fig. 27. The Covehed Ridges. 



handful of straw and rub it off. If the bed is rather 

 cold put a layer of clean, dry hay next the bed, and on 

 top of this replace the littery coTering. 



The first beds are made in August, and one or more 

 every month after till March, just as time, convenience 

 and material permit. Summer beds are not attempted 

 unless in exceptional cases'. The bulk of the beds are 

 generally put in in September and October. In early 

 fall, also in spring, beds yield mushrooms in about six 

 weeks after spawning ; in winter they take eight or nine 

 weeks or more, much depending on the weather. 



In cold weather the mushrooms are gathered at noon- 

 day ; if the weather is windy and it is possible to post- 



