Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 197, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 August 1916 — Page 2

How To Cultivate Mushrooms

Some folks say there is no science in growing the savory fungus :: Others say there is, and prove it by their success in the industry :: Perhaps you could have good luck

[HE SUCCESSFFUL cultiva- [ tlon of mushrooms in America has not been so general as in most of the European ' countries. It is in France and in England that the" mushroom industry has been best developed. France is, properly speaking, the home of the present mushroom Industry. Unusual in-

terest has been shown In the United States In the growth of mushrooms within the past few years, and it is to be hoped and expected that within the next ten years the industry will develop to the fullest limit of the market demands. The latter will, of course, be stimulated and developed by the Increasing popular appreciation of this product. In some cities and towns there is already a good market demand for mushrooms, while in others they may be sold only directly to special customers. This should be bonje in mind by prospective growers. Success in mushroom growing depends on intelligent study of conditions and on experience While many American growers have been successful in the production of mushrooms, a much larger number have failed. In most cases failures have been dun to one or more of the following causes: (1) The use of poor spawn, or of spawn which has been killed by improper storage. (2) Spawning at a temperature injuriously high. (3) The use of too much water either at the time of spawning or later. (4) Unfavorable temperature during the growing period. Mushrooms may be grown in any place where the conditions of temperature and moisture are favorable. A shed, cellar, cave or vacant space in a greenhouse may be utilized to advantage for this purpose. The most essential factor, perhaps, is that of temperature. The proper temperature ranges from 53 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with the best from 55 degrees to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. It is ■unsafe to attempt to grow mushrooms on a commercial basis, according to our present knowledge of the subject, at a temperature much less than 50 degrees or greater than 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Any severe changes of temperature retard growth or else act injuriously, and many changes of temperature would entirely destroy the profits of the mushroom crop. From this it is evident that in many places mushrooms may not be grown as a summer crop. With artificial heat they may be grown almost anywhere throughout the winter. Moreover, it Is very probable that in this country open-air culture must be limited to a few sections, and restricted, commercially at least, to a single season. A second important factor is that of moisture. The place should not be very damp, or constantly dripping with water. Under such conditions successful commercial work is not possible. A place where it is possible to maintain a fairly moist condition of the atmosphere, and having such capability for ventilation as will cause at least a gradual evaporation is. by general practice and by the most extensive experimentation, shown to be necessary. With too rapid ventilation and the consequent necessity of repeated applications of water to the mushroom bed no mushroom crop will attain the highest perfection. Cellars, caves and abandoned mines, or specially constructed houses, are used for growing mushrooms, because in such places only can the conditions

Shelf Beds in Warm Cellar.

of temperature and moisture be best regulated. Cold is less injurious to mushroom beds than heat. The former renders the bed for a time unproductive; but the latter stimulates the spawn to too rapid growth, which is usually followed by the production of unsalable mushrooms, or by the eventual death of the spawn, supposedly •by damping off. Mushrooms may often be grown In a very simply constructed shed or unused barn which will provide against eny sudden changes of the temperature, and when it Is possible to employ artificial heat the season for mush-

After the Long Exposure.

What a great treasure is a really good collection of old family photographs. But why, as we turn over its pages, are we quite sure to laugh? [What is there that Is ridiculous about [the earlier photographs? It is not easy to say. They tell us truthfully a great deal about those who are separated Krom us-by a small space of time and Ar Immense expanse of change. ' The sitters are self-conscious. Some of their self-consclousness was doubt|}«M due to the long exposure then nec-

room production in such structures may be greatly extended. Cellars are very commonly used in producing mushrooms for family use. Natural or artificial caves are of the tjrst importance, however, for commercial work, since the- situation of these below the surface will best insure a temperature throughout almost the entire year more or less close to that Which is desired. In the growing of mushrooms for commercial purposes, the beds should be constructed of stable manure which has been fermented or composted. Many experiments have been made looking toward the substitution of other composts or waste products for stable manure, but nothing has yet been found which may be more highly recommended. Fresh manure should be obtained, and this should include the litter Used for bedding the animals, unless . the latter consists of coarse weeds. It is a great mistake, in a commercial way, to attempt use manure free from straw. Again, stable manure which has been well trampled is nearly always well preserved, and is frequently much richer than any other kind. The manure should be piled in .heaps about three feet deep tvhen well pressed down with the fork, and these piles may be of considerable extent. It should be watered until well moistened throughout, but not drenched. In the course of four or five days or a week It will be necessary to fork over or “turn” the manure. A second turning will be required usually in from seven to ten days, and it may be necessary to water again if the material has suffered considerable drying out...' If well pressed down and merely moist, the manure will not burn, and, moreover, there will be no tendency for a sour fermentation to become established. In from 15 to 21 days, depending upon the conditions, the

Agaricus Campestris, the Cultivated Mushroom, Common in Fields and Pastures.

temperature will begin to fall, the violence of decomposition will begin to show a subsidence, and the compost will be ready for the construction of the beds. The bacteria of rapla decay will become less and less abundant, and finally, when the beds are prepared as subsequently described, the spawn will be able to grow in spite of the bacteria present. Mushroom beds are of two general types (1) the flat bed, and (2) the ridge bed known as the French type. In making the former the entire floor space may be utilized as a bed, or the beds may be arranged in the form of tiers or shelves. In low cellars or caves and Indeed wherever the amount of floor space is not the most important consideration, it would be well to avoid the use of shelves, but where the amount of floor space is an important factor they may be adopted to advantage, although the additional labor involved in the growing of a crop under such conditions as an item to be considered. When shelves are used one should be careful to whitewash these after each crop in order to avoid the increased danger from insect depredations. In any case, flat beds should be made from 8 to 10 inches deep. Ridge beds enable one to get a somewhat greater surface space in a given area, but they are also more expensive so far as the labor of construction is concerned. Nevertheless, they are very desirable. When a bed is in full bearing, the mushrooms should be gathered at least once in two days, and it is well to pick them every day, particularly if the temperature is up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Picking is itself an ar|, and the intelligent grower will soon find that the yield of a bed may be greatly lessened by lack of judge ment in picking. To satisfy the general demands of our markets at the

essarily exacted by the photographer, but also they are frankly trying to look their best; But whatever we may say of them as Individuals, taken altogether they bear witness to a simpler generation than ours. It is curious how often they give an impression of'belonging to a lower rank of life than the one they adorned.

Just It

“Just you keep aw r ay from the bow of this boat." —a- . “Why this stern command?"

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

present time it is not recommended to take the buttons; yet if there is a fancy trade for these it should be met. Little or no gain of weight occurs in the mushroom, however, after the veil begins to break, so that the mushrooms should not be left after this time. Flat tops are a third-grade article, but these, as well as all defective mushrooms, should be sedulously removed from the bed every day. In picking, grasp the mushroom by the cap (a large one by both cap and stem), twisting it to remove it easily from the soil. Where the mushrooms come up in large united clusters, It will be best to cut them, in order not to disturb the mycelial connections of all. Some good growers practice “cutting” throughout, but the stubs must decay and are a source of danger. After all good mushrooms from a cluster have been taken, remove any fleshy

Mushrooms Packed for Shipment

spawn masses adhering and add fresh loam. As they are picked, the mushrooms are put into shallow.baskets and taken to a sorting and packing table. The stems are cut off and any adhering loam is brushed from the cap. It is mushrooms keep somewhat better if the stub is left attached and the loam removed by rubbing, but except in special cases this procedure is not to be recommended. It is not necessary to cut the stem off short, but the market demands that there shall be few long shanks. For the best trade it is desirable to “sort” the mushrooms, placing only those of nearly the same size in the same packages. It is certainly not well to pack together “broilers” and buttons, if this can be avoided. De-

fective mushrooms should invariably be thrown out. Mushrooms should be treated as a first-grade product in every way, and therefore the package must be made an attractive one. Shipment should be made iu boxes of sizes demanded by the trade. Baskets afford excellent ventilation, yet boxes are sometimes preferred. The prices paid for mushrooms in American markets are unusually variable. Perhaps it is fair to say that one should consider from 35 to 50 cents per pound a goo<? average price. In many cities or towns 30 cents would be as much as could be obtained. On the other hand, a price of 75 cents is frequently paid. The quotation of one dollar or more is not to be expected. It is true that for a fine grade of mushrooms such prices are paid to retailers by the fancy trade and during special seasons or for special occasions. The grower may well look for the time, however, when the market demands will support a generous supply at a constant but fair price.

Under favorable circumstances a bed may come into bearing within sixweeks. It usually requires, however, a longer period, and eight weeks may more nearly represent the average conditions. If the conditions have been variable, and especially if at times a very low temperature has prevailed, bearing may be still further delayed. Again, the period of production or the profitable “life” of a successful bed may vary greatly, ranging from five weeks to as many months. As a rule, a bed which produces fine, heavy mushrooms will bear longer than one which yields plants of lighter weight. Many growers think that there is profit iir a bed which yields one-half pound per square foot of surface area. One should not be satisfied with less than this, and if the best conditions prevail this yield is far below’ what should be obtained.

Predicts Higher Prices.

With the increase in the price of materials more reports circulate that the next change in the price of automobiles will be upward. The advance in the price of high-speed steels is one of the factors, having gone up from 45 cents a pound to $3; it is also getting harder to obtain, according to manufacturers. The sales manager of one of the automobile companies predicts that the announcements of next July will show a number of increases in the price of standard makes of cars.

FOR SEASON WEAR

PARISIAN DESIGN THAT IS BEAUTIFUL IN EFFECT. Of Ivory White Jersey Cloth, With Embroideries of Soft White Silk —Coat Will Be a Favorite for the Winter. My sketch shows one of Redfern’s new models for seaside wear, writes Idalia de Villiers, Paris correspondent of the Boston Globe. In this case a beautiful quality of ivory white jersey cloth was used -and the embroideries were worked entirely in soft white silks. The smart coat, which molded the figure, was finished off with a large white linen collar and cuffs to match.

This was a really exquisite suit. In the best of taste, in accordance with the traditions of the Maison Redfern and very new in outline. These shaped coats will be much worn all through the winter. They are tight, without being too tight, and the basque is given a distinct flare at the hem. Redfern is making coats of this order in fine serge and in pale-hued linens, and always with the greatest success. Redfern, like all our other really good tailors, is making a number of plaited skirts —accordion plaits, box plaits, kilted plaits. Indeed, the plaited skirt is now an established favorite. It will certainly play a leading role in the world of dress all through the winter.

The Parisiennes are asking for white costumes, and white costumes only. Very brilliant colors are being shown by all the leading dressmakers and tailors, but these are for the foreign markets. The really exclusive Parisiennes wear only black, navy blue, white or gray. And this is easily understood. France is in mourning for her brave sons. Someone is missing in almost every home. How then can one expect the Parisiennes to appear in gay colors? But even for the foreign markets an immense number of tvhite costumes are being made this year. Among these white jersey cloth, white linen and ivory white crepe de chine take the lead.

Crochet Rugs Are Pretty

Just the Amount of Material That Is Required to Make a 30 by 40Inch Oval. The pretty oval braided Japanese rugs seen everywhere now suggested to an ingenious girl the idea of using up the odds and ends of rags in the house and crocheting them together instead of braiding them. While it may not appeal to one as a summer fancy work, still it’s a good time to get one’s strips together in balls and plan for long winter evenings. To make a rug 30 by 40 inches oval requires 34 yards of material 36 Inches wide. It is much prettier to choose two different colors, white and another solid color or 17 white and the rest divided among two or three harmonizing shades. It must, however, always be remembered that in rug designing, like bouquet making or quilt patching, certain rules are infallible. There must be a distinct touch of dark, black or very dark blue or brown. Yellow- and green set off all other colors and the prettiest rugs are divided equally between white and another color or group of colors. To make a white and blue-striped rug, for example, tear 17-yard strips of white cheesecloth and blue calico into one-inch widths. Begin with a chain eight inches long, crocheted with a heavy wooden crochet needle costing 10 cents or one of amber which costs 15 cents. Turn and put in eight stitches at the end. Repeat at the other end after crocheting back the eight inches of chain. Add eight stitches at the ends with every other row and this will form the oval. When the first piece gin with the blue strip and alternate the two colors until all the strips are finished. This produces a graduated stripe rug. A girWwho has three brothers and a great many brothers’ friends has made a rug of neckties, cut into Inch strips and sewn together in harmonizing combinations. This rug is very beautiful and, being of silk, is quite valuable. The really loveliest and most durable ones of all are made of woolen materials, but if one buys out-

RIVIERA MODEL

Straw forms the foundation of this fascinating chapeau, which is bordered with satin ribbon and a wreath of flowers, with a bunch at one side.

Large black taffeta hats are taking the position which was held by black velvet picture hats last autumn. Taffeta hats look specially well when worn with a neat linen costume —and it is certainly true that taffeta is more suitable than velvet for the hot days of August. But this latter fact has nothing to do with the popularity of the taffeta hat. Women of fashion have long ago thrust aside the idea of wearing summer things in summer and winter

Redfern Coat and Skirt of Ivory White Jersey Cloth, Embroidered With White Silks.

things in winter. Never I think were expensive furs more in evidence than at this moment —at midsummer. Ermine, sable, chinchilla and skunk —all these furs are now worn in the guise of long straight ties, or cape collars of considerable size. White fox is another favorite summer fur.

right for them it makes it more expensive and it takes a good while to accumulate just the right colors here and there.

SUIT ALMOST ALL WOMEN

Large Hat’s Return to Favor Will Be Generally Welcomed, for Very Good Reason. Almost all women are heartily glad that larger hats are the fashion. There is a mysterious allure about the big shady hat which shadows the face that is wonderfully softening and becoming. To young faces the new hats which curve deeply down at each side make really bewitching frames, especially when they are of some dark color and lined underiieath the brim with some soft and delicate tint such as egg-shell blue, oyster pink or the pale putty shade that has proved so valuable for the purpose. Never has there been such a catholicity of choice as now. For, according to your requirement and what becomes you best, you can have either the close-fit-ting swathed toque, the tall, practically brimless hat of Cossack frame, surmounted by a cockade or a chou of ribbon; the dainty drooping Watteau or Dolly Varden, the charming and less exacting bell shape, or the great “cart wheel,” always dear to the feminine heart —and head.

DICTATES OF FASHION

Cutaway coats are coming in to ft limited extent. The latest handkerchief has rounded corners. The sheer weaves of silk will continue to be worn. Unbleached rep is a good material for boys’ middies. A flsherwife sleeve is rather short and the cuff is turned back. The sleeves of some evening dresses are puffs, while others are loose and hang like a cape. - Blazer stripes, combined with plain colors, are much used for summer suits. Coffee is a new shade of brown, and other favorites are russet, cinnamon, mole and African. Some of the quiet, prim-looking little dress bodices are almost childlike in simplicity.

Preparedness Gloves.

The woman w’ho is truly patriotic — and in the present fervor of preparedness talk it is quite the fashion so to be —will pause with interest to look at the new preparedness gloves. They are made of the usual heavy white kid of fine quality, and Instead of being stitched on the back with white or black stitching —as gloves usually are —these are decorated with the colors of Old Glory. To wear a pair of these gloves, one would perhaps have to be a little venturesome, but then wearing the latest fashion always requires a little temerity, and, as a matter of fact, these gloves are exceedingly attractive.

THE HUH QUALITY SEWIRR MACNINE MT SOLD UNDER ANY OTHER NAME Write for free booklet "Points to be considered before purchasing « Sewlnc Machine. Learn the facts. THE NEW HOME SEWING MACHINECO.,ORANGE, MAB& Kill All Flies! riaeed eeywbere.Beier Fir KlHer attracts nd kntoaß WrUB •—r; will not—ll Daisy Fly Killer HAROLD SOMERS, 150 DeKalb Ave. Brooklyn, N. Y.

Had Hired Them All.

Representative William Kettner of California made a journey to Mexico a while ago and was greatly impressed with the cheapness of Mexican cab hire. Kettner found that for 20 cents he could have a carriage at his disposal for about an hour. That made a great hit with him, and be worried because he had occasion to use a cab only part of the time. It seemed a shame that he couldn’t spend more money on such a bargain proposition. The afternoon before Kettner and his friends were to leave Mexico City one of the party noticed a string of seven carriages proceeding down the street like a funeral procession. All were empty except the one in the lead. In it sat Kettner puffing calmly at a big cigar. He had hired all the carriages he could find in front of his hotel, and set out to revel in his bargain grandeur. —Sunday Magazine.

RED, ROUGH, SORE HANDS May Be Soothed and Healed by Uaa of Cuticura. Trial Free. • Nothing so soothing and healing for red, rough and irritated hands as Cuticura Soap and Cuticura Ointment. Soak hands on retiring in hot Cuticura soapsuds. Dry, and gently anoint hands with Cuticura Ointment. A one-night treatment works wonders. Free sample each by mall with Book. Address postcard, Cuticura, Dept L, Boston. Sold everywhere. —Adv.

An All-Seeing Eye.

A self-operating eye, which when attached to a typewriter enables that machine to copy any printed matter properly set before it, is the invention of a Brooklyn electrical engineer. The eye consists of a large sphere having a lens on its front side and a field corresponding to a retina on which are situated a large number of selenium cells connected with a source of electric current. The eye Is mounted on and moves with the carriage of the typewriter, and is so focused that the image of but one letter is reflected in it at a time. Popular Mechanics Magazine tells how the machine operates.

England Uses Repulped Paper.

We are living in remarkable days. The shortage of paper has resulted in the repulping of paper that already has been used. One of the effects is that certain letters which seem to have been more deeply impressed than their fellows survive the process and come to light in unexpected and inconsequent places. We meet with an “o” here and an “h” there which have no sort of relationship to the otherwise blank sheet. —London Globe.

Utterly Squelched.

They stood at the pyramids. “Forty centuries look down upon you,” announced the guide.” “Let ’em look,” responded Pa Wombat. “That seems mild after running the gamut of Europe’s head waiters.”

Prescription for Poverty.

"Social insurance” may be a cure of poverty, but tlfe real remedy is a steady job and thrift. There would be no objection to boys being boys if they would only be men after they get to be men.

As the acorn grows to be the mighty oak, so children when rightly nourished, grow to be sturdy men and women. Good flavor and the essential nourishing elements for mental and physical development of children are found in the famous food Grape-Nuts Made of whole wheat and malted barley, this pure food supplies all the nutriment of the grains in a most easily digested form. ■< t . It does the heart good to see little folks enjoy Grape-Nuts and cream. ~.. < ; ■ “There’s a Reason” Sold by Grocers.