the more droppings in it, the better. The
process recommended by Rogers is as follows:--

"About July or August is the general season for making mushroom-beds,
though this may be done all the year round. A quantity of the dung
mentioned should be collected and thrown together in a heap, to ferment
and acquire heat; and, as this heat generally proves too violent at
first, it should, previously to making the bed, be reduced to a proper
temperature by frequently turning it in the course of the fortnight or
three weeks; which time it will most likely require for all the parts to
get into an even state of fermentation. During the above time, should it
be showery weather, the bed will require some sort of temporary
protection, by covering it with litter or such like, as too much wet
would soon deaden its fermenting quality. The like caution should be
attended to in making the bed, and after finishing it. As soon as it is
observed that the fiery heat and rank steam of the dung have passed off,
a dry and sheltered spot of ground should be chosen on which to make the
bed. This should be marked out five feet broad; and the length, running
north and south, should be according to the quantity of mushrooms likely
to be required. If for a moderate family, a bed twelve or fourteen feet
long will be found, if it takes well, to produce a good supply of
mushrooms for some months, provided proper attention be paid to the
covering.

"On the space marked for making the bed, a trench should be thrown out
about six inches deep. The mould may be laid regularly at the side; and,
if good, it will do for earthing the bed hereafter: otherwise, if
brought from a distance, that of a more loamy than a sandy nature will
be best.

"Whether in the trench, or upon the surface, there should be laid about
four inches of good litter, not too short, for forming the bottom of the
bed; then lay on the prepared dung a few inches thick, regularly over
the surface, beating it as regularly down with the fork; continue thus,
gradually drawing in the sides to the height of five feet, until it is
narrow at the top like the ridge of a house. In that state it may remain
for ten days or a fortnight, during which time the heat should be
examined towards the middle of the bed by thrusting some small sharp
sticks down in three or four places; and, when found of a gentle heat
(not hot), the bed may be spawned: for which purpose, the spawn-bricks
should be broken regular