that it was with great difficulty that the labourers who had to
dig out a quantity of the spawn which had become a nuisance,
could accomplish their task.
An esculent species of Agaric is raised at Naples by simply
depositing a quantity of coffee-grounds in a warm cellar. No
spawn is used, but the Fungus seems very generally to make
its appearance after a certain time. Like most species which
grow in such habitats, it is probably a mere state of some
common form. A Polyporus used for food is raised in Italy
from hazel-stumps, by simply charring them partially, and
then supplying them with a proper quantity of water. Another
species, P. tuberaster, springs up in Italy from conglomerated
masses of earth and spawn, known by the name of Pietra
Fungaja, or Fungus-stone, when placed in the conservatory;
and I have seen specimens raised in Lee’s garden, at Hammersmith,
from imported spawn. Attempts have been made to
cultivate a fine variety of Mushroom from spawn imported
from the Swan Eiver. I t is to be hoped that this may be
tried again, and that Agaricus fabaceus, an American species,
may also have another trial. A few species of Fungi occasionally
make their appearance in the soil or on wood imported
with exotic plants. I have seen, for instance, Schizo-
phyllum commune in great abundance, accompanied by a
pretty white Marasmius. The lovely Marasmius hamatoce-
phalus lately made its appearance at Kew, in a pot with a
species of Carludovica; the curious Aserde came up in the
same establishment on Australian mould, and other species
might be noticed of which I have specimens in my herbarium,
and amongst these Hypoxylon marginatum, an American species,
which was observed in the conservatory at Chatsworth.
These, however, are mere accidents, but they tend to show
that many species might ornament our stoves from imported
spawn, if their introduction was desired.
As regards matters of science or curiosity, the reproductive
bodies of many Fungi can he made to germinate very readily
by placing them in fluid in an insulated cell, or by simply
putting them upon a slip of glass under an air-tight bell-glass.
In cases where they do not germinate, there is some fault in
general either in the temperature or degree of moisture; or
sometimes because mere water is not sufficient, without an
admixture of sugar or some other organic matter. Many
species of Mould may he raised very easily upon paste made
with ground rice under a hell-glass, and some Fungi may be
brought to perfection on rotten wood in the same condition.
The well-known Ergot may he induced to produce its very
curious perfect form (Plate 23, fig. 7), by simply sowing the
infected grains in a garden-pot, and avoiding extremes of dryness
or moisture.* Even some of the species which are parasites
on living leaves may be propagated either by direct sowing
of the spores on the young leaves, or watering the soil in
which the plant proposed to bear the parasite grows, as in the
case of the yellow Kose Bust, with water in which infected
leaves have been duly steeped.
I t may be stated, in conclusion of this Chapter, that Polyporus
igniarius has been artificially raised in Germany, by
merely collecting trunks impregnated with spawn, or likely to
be so, and keeping them properly irrigated. Several crops
have been obtained by this method in the course of the year.
* Mr. Currej has induced the Ergot of tho common Eced to fructify by
keeping the stem immersed in water.
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