FORCING MUSriROOMS. 
127 
is a current of air; but if it be not completely dried, the 
spawn will exhaust itself or perish, as it will not bear the 
extremes of heat, cold, or moisture. 
Such of my readers as may have hitherto been unac- 
quainted with the cultivation of Mushrooms, must perceive, 
from the preceding remarks, that a Mushroom bed is simply 
a heap of animal dung and earth, so tempered as to be ca- 
pable of producing and preserving spawn ; but in order to 
have fruitful spawn at all times, it should be so formed as 
to be always at command. To this end, a quantity of fresh 
horse droppings mixed with short litter, should be collected ; 
add to this one third of cow dung, and a small portion of 
good earth, to cement it together ; mash the whole into a 
thin compost, like grafting clay ; then form it in the shape 
of bricks ; which being done, set them on edge, and frequent- 
ly turn them until half dry ; then with a dibble make one or 
two holes in each brick, and insert in each hole a piece of 
spawn the size of an egg : the bricks should then be laid 
where they can dry gradually. When dry, lay dry horse 
dung on a level floor, six or eight inches thick ; on this, pile 
the bricks, the spawn side uppermost. When the pile is 
snugly formed, cover it with a small portion of fresh warm 
horse dung, sufficient in quantity to produce a gentle glow 
through the whole. When the spawn has spread itself 
through every part of the bricks, the process is ended, and 
they may be laid up in any dry place for use. Mushroom 
spawn,* made according to this receipt, will preserve its ve- 
getating powers for many years, if well dried before it is laid 
up ; if moist, it will grow, and soon exhaust itself. 
Mushroom beds are often formed in ridges in the open 
air, covered with litter and mats, so as to prevent heavy 
rains exciting a fermentation ; and sometimes in ridges of the 
same sort under cover, as in the open sheds of hot-houses. 
They are also made in close sheds behind hot-houses, or in 
houses built on purpose, called Mushroom-houses. A mo- 
derately warm, light cellar is peculiarly suited for the pur* 
