3i MUSHROOMS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



SIMPLE METHODS. 



In addition to the generally recognised methods described 

 in preceding chapters, there are other simple ones which may 

 interest the' amal.'' r gardener. 



In Pots, Boxes. — Mushrooms may be grown in pots, 

 boxes, or hampers. Taking boxes as most suitable, they 

 should be about 3ft. long, IJft. broad, and Tin. deep. The 

 first operation is t<o half-fill each with fresh horse-manure 

 from the stables — the fresher the better — but if wet it should 

 be allowed to dry for three or four days before being used. 

 When placed in the boxes it should be well beaten down. In 

 two or three days, if the manure has commenced to generate 

 heat, the spawn may be inserted. Break each brick of 

 mushroom spawn (which may be obtained from any seeds- 

 man) into pieces 3in. square, lay these about 4in. apart on 

 the surface of the manure, and allow them to remain for 

 about six days. At the end of this time it will probably be 

 found that the under side of the spawn has begun to run in 

 the manure below; this being the case, place one and a-half 

 inches of fresh manure on the top of the spawn, and beat it 

 down, as in the first instance. In about a week, when you 

 find that the spawn has i-un through the manure, the boxes 

 will be ready to receive the soil. This should be placed 

 two and a-half inches deep on the surface of the manure, 

 and be beaten down thoroughly. Wlien finished, the surface 

 should be left quite smooth. In the space of five or six 

 weeks the mushrooms will begin to show themselves, when, 

 if the soil seems dry, a gentle watering with lukewarm water 

 may be given. If the boxes are kept in a dark place, with 

 an even temperature, and protected from the rays of the sun, 



