200 
THE AMATEUR’S KITCHEN GARDEN. 
in a moist state the fermentation quickly becomes so violent 
as to rapidly exhaust the manure. It must not, of course, be? 
dust-dry, or it will not ferment at all ; but in practice it is 
found that a very small amount of moisture is sufficient to- 
ensure a mild and steady fermentation. A week or so before 
it is intended to make up the bed throw the manure into a 
heap to set it fermenting, and by the end of the week it will 
be quite warm enough for use. Frequent turnings at this 
stage are quite unnecessary, but it is well to turn it over 
once, and as far as possible to place the outside portion in the 
middle of the heap. 
In the formation of the beds place an inch layer of loam 
over the bottom, and then proceed to fill in with the manure 
and loam ; the latter must be perfectly dry and a little spread 
over each layer of manure as the work of filling proceeds, to 
ensure its being equally distributed throughout the entire 
depth. As each layer of three or four inches is placed on the* 
bed let it be beaten thoroughly firm, for the spawn then runs- 
more freely and excessive fermentation is prevented. Twelve 
inches is a good thickness for the bed, independent of a two- 
inch layer of loam, which should be applied after it has been 
spawned. The heat will, in all probability, increase rapidly 
during the first few days, and if it becomes excessively hot a 
few holes may be bored to allow the heat to escape ; but it is 
much better to have the materials in proper condition, so that 
there may be no overheat, for with the escape of heat by 
means of holes referred to much of the ammonia, so essential 
in the production of mushrooms, will be lost. A careful 
watch must be kept upon the temperature, which ought not 
to exceed 80°. Immediately the heat commences to decline,, 
and is about 75°, spawn the bed. Break the “bricks” up into 
pieces of about the size of a small hen’s egg, and by means 
of a dibber insert them about twelve inches apart and regu- 
larly over the bed to a depth of three inches or so. Im- 
mediately after a bed has been spawned apply a half-inch 
covering of loam, or of perfectly dry cow r -manure broken up 
to a pow 7 der and loam in equal proportions. In eight or ten 
days afterwards the spawn will commence to run, and an inch 
and a-half of either loam or a mixture as above advised 
should be spread over the surface. This should be rather dry 
and of the same temperature as the bed, if not a little warmer, 
as anything like a chill must be carefully guarded against. 
