PREFACE 



To the Mushroom Growers: 



Numerous inquiries for reliable information on the best method 

 of growing mushrooms are constantly received, and we have taken 

 this method of answering them collectively. While many failures 

 in mushroom growing are attributable to poor spawn, it is also true 

 that good spawn will give poor or negative results where the essen- 

 tial principles of cultivation have been disregarded. 



The manufacturer of a high grade of mushroom spawn is equal- 

 ly interested with the grower' in acquainting him with the latest 

 developments of science in mushroom growing. He may thus be 

 instrumental in removing many causes of failure which the unin- 

 formed grower would otherwise charge to the spawn. 



The discovery of the "pure culture" method of making spawn 

 and the resulting segregation of the varieties carries with it the 

 consequent necessity for careful selection of the varieties to be 

 planted, under the varying conditions surrounding different grow- 

 ers, with a view of avoiding serious mistakes and obtaining maxi- 

 mum results. 



Notwithstanding some extravagant statements which have recent- 

 ly found their way into print, it is certain that the millennium 

 has not yet been reached in mushroom culture or in spawn making. 

 However, the discovery of pure culture spawn has marked a new 

 era in the history of this industry; important and positive results 

 have been obtained, phenomena!! crops have been raised under 

 proper conditions; but maximum results are only possible by the 

 application of scientific principles and the adoption of the most 

 approved methods of cultivation. 



We will, therefore, make known from time to time, in subse- 

 quent publications, the latest developments in mushroom culture, 

 based upon practical experience, provided we are furnished with the 

 name^ and address of the parties desiring to receive the same. 



AMERICAN SPAWN COMPANY, 



St. Paul, Minn. 



NOTE — ^The first sixteen chapters of this publication are based upon extracts from the reports 

 of Dr. B. M. Duggar, of the Department of Argiculture. 



