16 
be on the decline, and when it falls to 90° F., break the bricks of spawn 
into pieces 2 inches square, and plant 12 inches apart, 3 inches below 
the surface, holes having been made for the purpose by means of a 
rounded stick. Fill up the opening made, level with the surface. Under 
favorable conditions the spawn will appear on the surface, spreading 
its white filaments through the mass within ten or twelve days. On 
the appearance of the spawn on the surface, cover over to the depth of 
3 inches with good garden soil, and press down firmly. Should the 
conditions prove unfavorable, spawn failing to appear, it is better to 
insert fresh spawn, or to remake the bed, adding fresh materials, if it 
is found that the materials have spent their heat-producing powers. 
By some it is deemed advisable not to put the spawn at any uniform 
depth, but so that while one piece of it may be at a depth of 6 inches, 
or nearly so, others may touch the surface, which allows the spawn to 
vegetate at a depth and temperature most congenial to it. Mushrooms 
may also be cultivated for family use in warm cellars, in boxes about 
4 feet square and 18 inches deep. 
