ly into pieces about an inch and a half or two
inches square, beginning within six inches of the bottom of the bed, and
in lines about eight inches apart. The same distance will also do for
the pieces of spawn, which are best put in by one hand, raising the
manure up a few inches, whilst with the other the spawn can be laid in
and covered at the same time.

"After spawning the bed, if it is found to be in that regular state of
heat before mentioned, it may be earthed. After the surface is levelled
with the back of the spade, there should be laid on two inches of
mould,--that out of the trench, if dry and good, will do; otherwise make
choice of a rich loam, as before directed. After having been laid on, it
is to be beaten closely together; and, when the whole is finished, the
bed must be covered about a foot thick with good oat or wheat straw;
over which should be laid mats, for the double purpose of keeping the
bed dry, and of securing the covering from being blown off. In the
course of two or three days, the bed should be examined; and, if it is
considered that the heat is likely to increase, the covering must be
diminished for a few days, which is better than taking it entirely off.

"In about a month or five weeks,--but frequently within the former time,
if the bed is in a high state of cultivation,--mushrooms will most
likely make their appearance; and, in the course of eight and forty
hours afterwards, they will have grown to a sufficient size for use. In
gathering, instead of cutting them off close to the ground, they should
be drawn out with a gentle twist, filling up the cavity with a little
fine mould, gently pressed in level with the bed. This method of
gathering is much better than cutting, as the part left generally rots,
and breeds insects, which are very destructive, both in frames and on
mushroom-beds.

"Where a mushroom-bed is to remain permanently, a covered shed will be
found convenient.

"Sometimes it happens that a bed suddenly ceases to produce any
mushrooms. This arises from various causes, but principally from the
cold state of the bed in winter, or from a too dry state in summer. In
the former case, a slight covering of mulchy hay laid over the bed, and
on that six or eight inches of well-worked, hot dung, and the whole
covered lightly with the straw that was taken off, will most likely
bring it about again. In the latter instance, moisture, if required,
should be given moderately, two or thr