•21 



MUSHROOMS. 



the lower luw commencing 6iu. from the ground, and finish- 

 ing off the same distance from the top. Do not bore holes 

 for the spawn, as vapour is liable to collect to an injurious 

 extent in them if not properly closed again. Open shallow 

 holes in the manure with the left hand, and fix the lumps of 

 spawn in these with the right hand, disposing them flat or 

 smooth side outwards and almost level with the surface. The 

 manure should be made quite firm about the lumps, and if 

 the weather be cold or wet, straw over or otherwise protect 

 the beds. A sudden change from cold weather to that which 



Seci'Ion oj' a RiD:iE-sHAPKD Bed. 



A, Manure; B, "Spawn"; C, Casing of soil; 

 I), Coveiinff of long lilter. 



is warm and muggy is liable to cause a dangerous rise in the 

 heat. Therefore examine the sticks once or twice daily, 

 and if overheating is imminent again open the holes down 

 through the centre of the beds. 



Soiling: the Beds. — If the beds are cased over with 

 soil directly they are spawned there is all the greater like- 

 lihood of overheating taking place. Wait for three or four 

 days, and, the heat then being only moderately high, the 

 soil may be put on. The soil usually and rightly preferred 

 is maiden loam, obtained from just under the turf in an old 



