Xi. 
CULTIVATION. 
Tue cultivation of thay! in this country for esculent purposes 
is contined to a single species, and yet there is no reason why, 
by a series of well-conducted experiments, means should not 
be devised for the cultivation of others, for instance, Alaras- 
mius oreades, and the morel. Efforts have been made on the 
Continent for the cultivation of truffles, but the success has 
hitherto been somewhat doubtful. For the growth of the com- 
mon mushroom, very little trouble and care is required, and 
moderate success is certain. A friend of ours some years since 
was fortunate enough to have one or two specimens of the large 
puft-ball, Lycoperdon giganteum, growing in his garden. Know- 
ing its value, and being particularly fond of it when fried for 
breakfast, he was anxious to secure its permanence. The spot 
on which the specimens appeared was marked off and guarded, 
so that it was never desecrated by the spade, and the soil 
remained consequently undisturbed. Year after year, so long 
as he resided on the premises, he counted upon and gathered 
several specimens of the puff-ball, the mycelium continuing to 
produce them year after year. All parings, fragments, &c., not 
utilized of the specimens eaten were cast on this spot to rot, so 
that sume of the elements might be returned to the soil. This 
was not true cultivation perhaps, as the fungus had first estab- 
lished itself, but it was preservation, and had its reward. It 
must be admitted, however, that the size and number of speci- 
mens diminished gradually, probably from exhaustion of the 
soil. This fungus, though strong, is much approved by many 
