113 



V. Conclusion 



The spore of mushrooms loses its germinative power after a short 

 interval, so it should be used immediately after collection and this is best done 

 by inserting " mother billets " among the new billets to be used in culture. 



The spore of the winter mushroom resists the cold well and there- 

 fore spores grown late in winter by the " Soak and strike " method may 

 be used in propagation to advantage. 



Mycelium grown on mother billets is also available for propagation. 

 To this end, old mother billets declining the growth of mushrooms should 

 be made into meal, and this meal, mixed with water, should be spread on 

 fresh billets. This is best done late in winter or early in spring. 



As the mushroom can be propagated either by the spore or by 

 mycelium, there is no place where the culture cannot be carried on, 

 contrary to the belief generally held prior to our investigations. 



EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE IIL 



Cortinellus Shiitake Shrot. (Leitz V x 7) 



(1) Germination of Spores in Konara bark decoction (at 26°C.). 



1. Spore. 



2. after 18 hours. 



3. after 24 hours. 



4. after 48 hours. 



5. after 72 hours. 



(2) Germination of Spores in decoction of rotten tree stumps. 



6. after 18 hours. 



7. after 24 hours. 



8. after 48 hours. 



9. after 72 hours. 



10. after 118 hours. 



(3) Germination of Spores in distilled water. 



11. after 24 hours. 



12. after 72 hours. 



