CULTURE IN CELLARS, 



31 



squeezed in the hand. If moisture squeezes out of it then 

 it is too wet, and must be dried somewhat before it is used. 

 Manure to the depth of from 12in. to 15in. is ample, and 

 this should be made very firm, being well rammed, according 

 a« each layer is added. 



Inserting: the Spawn — Directly a gentle heat has 



risen — or, say, in the course of three or four days — the 



spawning should be done. Break the bricks of spawn into 



TSinps near the size of a hen's egg, and insert these just 



below the surface, and about 5iu. apart all over the bed. 



An Indook Bed. 



A bed inade on tlie floor of a cellar or shed. The sides are formed of 



planks and stont stakes, A is the "Spawn;** B, Coyering: of Eoil; 



C, Litter; D, The manure. 



Cover with 2in. of good fine loam in about one week after 

 spawning. All this work may be done before the boxes or 

 baskets are taken into the cellar, but, according to our ex- 

 perience, the spawn runs best in the comfortable atmosphere 

 of a cellar. 



General Hints — The bed, boxes, etc., should be 

 covered with strawy litter, and the cellar kept as dark as 

 possible. In the event of the bed becoming dry on the sur- 

 face, remove the litter and give enough tepid water to just 

 moisten the surface ; then replace the litter. In about two 

 months from spawning mushrooms will begin to appear. 



