The Cultivation of Vegetables 1 13 
is prepared, no fresh manure should be mixed with it, 
but this should be constantly turned, as before, until the 
very rapid fermentation has ceased. This, of course, can 
only be thoroughly understood by practice, but even the 
beginner, if observant, can notice at once when the fer- 
mentation has slowed down, and is going on steadily 
throughout the whole heap, after which it should be left 
for a few days before making up the bed. 
The bed should be made up according to the quantity 
of manure at the gardener’s disposal. If only a small 
quantity has been obtained, it may be made up cone- 
shaped. If a larger supply, it may be made up into a 
ridge-shaped bed. The manure should be spread on in 
layers, and made very firm by beating and treading down, 
to ensure a steady heat during as long a period as possible. 
After the manure is thus put together, a hole should be 
made in the centre of the bed and a thermometer placed 
in it, and covered all round with manure, so that the 
temperature of the bed may be accurately taken. If the 
manure has been properly looked after, the temperature 
will gradually rise until it reaches its highest point, after 
which the temperature will gradually subside for a period 
I of two or three months. When it has reached its highest 
point, and commenced to decline, it should be carefully 
watched until it comes down to 8o° F. The bed can 
then be safely spawned. On no account should this be 
done until the temperature is diminishing, or the latter 
may rise too high and kill the spawn. 
The best spawn should always be procured. As a 
rule this shows a very fine mouldy appearance. If there 
are thick white fibres running through it, it cannot be 
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