442 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



beds from 20 to 24 in. high, and about as wide at the base. An 

 excessive rise of temperature from a fresh fermentation is less to 

 be apprehended in beds of this size than in larger ones. When 

 there is a good deal of room to spare, the best plan is to make the 

 beds sloping at both sides and of any length that may be thought 

 fit, but always of the same height and the same width at the base 

 as we have just mentioned. When the beds, however, are made up 

 against a wall or other perpendicular support, and have but one 

 sloping side, the width at the base should be less than the height. 

 Beds may also be made in old tubs, in casks sawn in two, or on 

 plain flat boards, in which cases the beds should be of a conical 

 shape, or in the form of the heaps of broken stones or road-metal 

 often seen on roadsides. In this way it is possible to carry beds 

 ready-made into cellars or other parts of dwelling-houses, where 



one would not like to bring 

 in a lot of rough manure 

 and litter the place by 

 making the beds there. 



The beds are made by 

 hand. The dung to be in 

 a fit condition must be 

 mellow and well divided, 

 and if hard or in lumps 

 must be crushed. The more 

 compact material should be 

 Mushrooms grown in a tub. again mixed with the straw 



portion, so that the whole 

 will be of an equal texture. It should be placed in regular layers, 

 each layer being firmly trodden down. When the bed has attained 

 the proper height, the sides should be made slanting and carefully 

 trimmed, all projecting straws should be withdrawn and the surface 

 made smooth and firm. 



After the beds are made it is best to wait a few days before 

 spawning them, in order to see whether any excessive fermentation 

 will ensue. This may generally be pretty well ascertained by 

 thrusting the finger into the bed, but the surest way is to use a 

 thermometer. As long as the temperature is over 30° C, or 86° 

 Fahr., the bed is too hot, and must be allowed time to cool down. 

 The cooling will be quickened by making a few holes here 

 and there in the bed with a stick, to allow the heat to escape. 

 When the temperature stands pretty steadily at about 25° C, or 

 78° Fahr., it is time to put in the spawn. This may sometimes be 

 found growing naturally in old hot-beds, or on the edges of manure 

 heaps, and may be used for this purpose ; but it is far better to 

 employ the dried spawn sold by seedsmen, which may be obtained 

 at all seasons, and which grows much quicker, is more to be 



