Illustrated Catalogue of Dutch Flower Roots. 
Mushroom Spawn. 
The importance of Mushrooms as a remunerative crop has of late been 
receiving considerable attention, and the facility of their culture, both out of 
doors, in sheds, and houses specially arranged for their growth, has led great 
numbers of new growers, large and small, to successfully attempt the pro- 
duction of this esteemed and highly nutritious esculent. 
Possessors of Mushroom Houses proper, it may be safely assumed, 
experience no difficulty in raising successional crops, and maintaining a 
continuous supply; but to such of our customers as may have only the 
convenience of a shed, cellar, or sufficient space for a bed or beds out of doors, 
a few hints on cultivation which we here give, will, if carefully and in- 
telligently followed, lead to almost certain success. The first important point 
is the acquisition of good Spawn : this want we shall at all times be happy 
to meet. 
Scarcely second in importance is the use of perfectly suitable material, 
for although inferior and biidly manipulated manure may produce a crop, such 
crop will be poor in quality and of brief duration. Obtain stable manure 
which has been made as much at the same time as possible, avoid having both 
old and freshly made mixed together, and let the preference be given to such 
as can be procured from stables where horses are fed on dry food. The 
quantity required will of course be governed by the form and size of the beds 
which it is intended to make. Now place the manure as it is received from 
the stables in a firmly built heap, but not pressed too hard, and while doing so 
do not attempt to separate all the straw from the droppings, but remove only 
the longer and cleaner straw, and the heap will then be composed of half straw 
and half droppings, or thereabouts. 
If the heap be out of doors let it be covered over, to prevent it becoming 
unduly wetted by rain, but at the same time the covering must stand clear of the manure. In about six days time the heap will bo 
in a thorough state of fermentation and consequent high temperature ; now very carefully turn it over with a fork, taking care that 
every part of the material is perfectly worked together, and the outsides of the heap be placed in the middle. Do this from four to six 
times on alternate days, according to state of material, which should be neither excessively wet nor dry, and in a fair state of fermen- 
tation, as either of these extremes is injurious if not fatal to the crop. The usual size for a bed is from two to three feet wide at the 
base and the same in height, being narrower towards the top. In making the bed the material should be well shaken out and firmly 
pressed down ; if it is found that the bed is too hot a few ventilation holes will be necessary. When the temperature is about seventy 
or eighty degrees the Spawn may be inserted. Break each cake into about eight equal pieces: these should be firmly pressed 
into the bed about eight inches apart each way, with the smooth side outwards, so as to be about level with the surface. This may be 
done by raising the manure with one hand and inserting the Spawn with the other, now make the surface of the bed even and press 
all down firmly. In about a fortnight’s time the bed must be covered by about one-and-a-half to two inches, not more, of fresh 
mould, and in the selection of this mould the satisfactory result of the crop in a great measure depends. In selecting this keep in 
mind that rich fallow loam is the most suitable, and the nearer to this that can be procured the better the result will be. Prom five 
to six weeks from the date of spawning the Mushrooms (under favourable circumstances and if the work has been well done) may bo 
expected to appear. Where the bed is under cover nothing more will require to bo done, except occasional waterings when the bed 
becomes dry ; but when in the open and exposed to change of weather, it must be covered with long litter or straw to keep an 
uniform temperature all around the bed. 
DANIELS’ BEST MILLTRACK. 
Mushrooms can be obtained all the year round by using DANIELS’ SUPERIOR SPAWN, 
manufactured expressly for their trade. Cultural directions sent with each order. 
In Bricks, each 6d., 4 bricks Is. 6d., 16 bricks or one bushel 5s. 
FRENCH MUSHROOM SPAWN. 
In Boxes, 2 lbs. 2s. 9d., 3 lbs. 4s., 4 lbs. 5s. 4d., 6 lbs. 8s. (if ordered to be sent per parcel post 3d. per lb. extra). 
These Boxes are the sizes generally required by Mushroom growers, and can be sent out just as received, thus preserving the 
Spawn from breaking. 
This Spawn is of very fine quality, and is in a more concentrated form than the English make. 
EVIDENCE 
From Mr. F. DRAKE, Gardener to Jolm Boyce, Esq., Catton. 
“The produce of your Mushroom Spawn is truly marvellous, 
and a beautiful flavour. My two beds are literally covered with full- 
sized Mushrooms, and hundreds are shewing up small.” 
From Mr. R. T. COWING-, Plumstead. 
April 4th. 
“ I cannot speak too highly of the crop of Mushrooms I had last 
year from the Spawn supplied by you. They exceeded any I ever had 
before, both in s:z3 and quantity. ’ 
OF QUALITY. 
From Mr. JAMES LINGWOOD, The Gardens, 
Kuapton House, North Walsham. 
“ I have great pleasure in testifying to the first-rate quality of your 
Mushroom Spawn. I gathered Mushrooms every morning for weeks, 
some of them measuring six inches across.” 
From Mr. J. FIELD, Gardener to It. Green, Esq., Maidenhead. 
Nov. 8th. 
“ The Mushroom Spawn was very good. I have a bed now worth 
photographing. I cut some off the last bed over seven inches across.” 
Daniels’ New Insecticide, Nicoto Paraffin Soap. 
The safest and most effective Insecticide ever introduced. In Bars 6d. each; post free, 9d., 
or can be enclosed with general order carriage free. 
EVIDENCE OF QUALITY. 
From Mr. A. ROCHE, Gardener to the Right Hon. Lord Stafford, Cossey Park. 
“ I have given your Nicoto Paraffin Soap a long and fair trial. I cousider it one of the best of the numerous 
Insecticides now offered to the public, and when better known it will be, to mv mma, the most extensively used; so easily mixed, 
effectual, and at the same time so very cheap. I tried the Insecticide with the greatest effect on Mealy Bug, Thrip, Brown 
and White Scale, Ants, Red Spider, Green Fly, &c. The young fronds of Maiden I-Iaii* Fern were not even injured by the trial.” 
