127 
especially when used in the button state. As efficient assis- 
tants in producing this advantage, our opaque protectors are 
most appropriate structures. Gardeners in extensive establish- 
ments, who possess mushroom houses, and the adjuncts of 
roomy sheds, generally make their beds principally of what are 
termed horse droppings; but, for the amateur, we think it 
scarcely safe to recommend a material which runs into so vio- 
lent a heat. The gardener, in the former case, is rot obliged to 
ferment his manure; drying it in an open shed for a few weeks, 
with now and then a turning, will render it what is technically 
termed sweet. The amateur, with small appliances however, 
will in general, be compelled, previous to its use, to get rid of 
some of its noxious gases by fermentation ; added to which, it is 
necessary to reduce its texture in some degree, in order to facili- 
tate the spread of the spawn, which will neither luxuriate in mere 
straw, nor in a highly decomposed body of a rotten character. 
He may, therefore, use fresh manure from the stable door, merely 
shaking out with the fork, and rejecting, the longer straw. This 
then must be thrown into a heap, until it becomes very hot, and 
smokes considerably ; by which time, say about a week, most 
of the more volatile gases will be dissipatefi, and a sort of par- 
tial desiccation will be produced. This is necessary at the first 
sweating, as a part of the end in view, is to dry up extra mois- 
ture, as well as to remove noxious gases. It must now be 
turned and thoroughly shaken to pieces, placing the outsides 
in the middle. This done, it may lie four or five days, never 
suffering it to become so hot again, but merely warm, and one 
more turning will make it fit for the bed. 
The brick pits, as suggested for the protectors, will be very 
proper places to make the bed in; and here, in a week from the 
last turning, the bed may be built. It must be about a foot in 
depth, not less, and the manure must be trodden, as hard as pos- 
sible, in the process of filling. As soon as the bed is made, the 
opaque protectors must be placed on it to exclude rain, which 
would nullify the whole proceeding. In about three days 
the heat will rise, when it is the best plan to bore holes imme- 
diately, for the spawn, in order to prevent the heat rising too 
strongly; the spawn, however, must not be introduced for sev- 
eral days. In another week or so, the heat will have been at 
its highest point, and begin to descend again, and this is the 
304. AUCTARIUM. 
