Page:The family kitchen gardener - containing plain and accurate descriptions of all the different species and varieties of culinary vegetables (IA familykitchengar56buis).pdf/82

 the pile is three feet high; next cover it with a small portion of warm horse dung, sufficient in quantity to diffuse a gentle glow of heat through the whole. When the spawn has spread itself through every part of the brick, the process is ended, and the bricks may then be laid up in a dry place for use.” Mushroom Spawn, made according to this direction, will preserve its vegetative power many years, if well dried before it is laid up; but if moist, it will grow and exhaust itself.

.—Of late years, the cultivation of this luxury has become so simplified, that it is in the power of every farmer and cottager to grow the article for use or sale. Any time in October or November, collect from the stable daily the fresh droppings, throw them into a heap, which prevent from heating violently, by frequent turnings, and spreading it out thinly, defending it from rain or water of any kind. When the quantity of one, two, or three loads (according to resources) has accumulated, and has lain in a heap two or three weeks, (which time it will most likely require for all the parts to get into an equal fermentation), as soon as it is observed that the fiery heat and rank steam of the dung are gone off, it is ready for use. Mushrooms can be grown in cellars, sheds, stables, or in any other such building, where they will be protected. Where it is intended to cultivate them permanently, a covered shed will be found the most convenient place in which to perform the necessary work. For this purpose a dry situation should be chosen, the more sheltered the better, on which to build a shed of sufficient dimensions. A bed four feet wide, and twelve feet long, will give an ample supply for a moderate-sized family. The shed may however be erected ten feet wide and sixteen feet long, giving space for working materials, and two beds if required. The shed should run from north to south, having a close roof, and weather-boarded. With the exception of four apertures as windows, to be covered with shutters, this erection might be made ornamental having a portion of it for a tool