306 On a Method of Cultivating the Mushroom. 



a loamy nature, with an admixture of one quarter of road 

 sand. The substratum was formed of dung, which had laid 

 in the stable yard a considerable time ; this was well shaken, 

 and laid in ridges for about a week, giving it a few turnings in 

 the interim, by which time it became moderately dry ; I then 

 added to it one-third of mould collected under a group of 

 common Horse-Chesnut trees, where different cattle indiscri- 

 minately retreat during the heat of summer ; this lay in heaps 

 a few weeks previous to use. A layer of straw or long litter 

 was first placed on the hurdles, to prevent the mould and 

 short part of the dung passing through them. In laying on 

 this compost, I beat it with a spade till it became solid, and 

 then left it for a week, before it was spawned and moulded. 

 When the mould was put on, I bestowed no other labour 

 on that, than beating it with the spade. 



I did not use a covering of straw or hay, nor do I think 

 it necessary, provided the place where the beds are built be 

 sufficiently closed ; but in an open shed such a protection 

 must be provided* With respect to watering, it would be 

 difficult to lay down fixed rules, that must depend on the 

 judgment of the gardener; however, from the depth of mould 

 which is used in this plan, I can confidently state, that there 

 is no necessity of being so sparing of water as is usually re- 

 commended by writers on the subject. 



The beds which I made as above described, were spawned 

 on the 24th of August last ; they came into bearing on the 

 21st of the following month, and would have continued 

 bearing up to the present time without ceasing, and for 



* When a covering is not used, the whole crop fit for use may be observed at 

 once, which is very advantageous. 



