larger the mushroom, the more water it will take from
the bed, and the more it weighs. This may seem an unprofessional thing
for a grower to do, and yet it must be remembered that a large water
content of the mushroom is necessary. The mushrooms grown in these mines
are very firm and solid, qualities which are desired, not only by the
consumer, but are desirable for shipment. These mushrooms are much
thicker through the center of the cap than those usually grown in houses
at a room temperature of 60 deg. F. For this reason, the mushrooms in these
caves spread out more, and the edges do not turn up so soon. Since the
cap is so thick and firm at the center, it continues to grow and expand
for some little time after having opened, without turning up on the
edges, and without becoming black and unsightly underneath. These large
and firm mushrooms are not only desirable for their shipping qualities,
but also, if they are not too large, they are prized because they are of
such a nice size for broiling.

It is quite likely that one of the important conditions in producing
mushrooms of this character is the low temperature of the mine. The
temperature here, in July and August, rises not higher than 58 deg. F.,
that is, the room temperature of the mines; while in the winter it
falls not lower than 52 deg. The growth of mushrooms, under these
conditions, may not be quite so rapid as in a house maintaining a room
temperature of 60 deg. The operator may not be able to grow so many
crops from the same area, during the same length of time; but the very
fact that this low temperature condition retards the growth of the
mushrooms is perhaps an important item in producing the firm and more
marketable product, which can be allowed to grow longer before it is
picked. It is possible, also, that another condition has something to
do with the firmness and other desirable qualities of these mushrooms.
It is, perhaps, to be found in the fact that natural spawn is largely
used in planting the beds, so that the spawn is more vigorous than
that which is ordinarily used in planting, which is several or many
generations distant from the virgin condition.

The methods of picking in this mine differ, also, from those usually
employed by growers of mushrooms. The mushrooms are pulled from the bed
in the same way, but the operator carries with him two baskets and a
knife. As fast as the mushrooms are pulled, and while they are still in
hand, before th