The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1896-07-14

mere Is no way OF computing the
commercial value in dollars and cents
OF the mushrooms consumed annually
In this country, hut it would aggre-
gate a very large sum. Nearly seven
elghths of the total amount used are
imported from Southern Europe, for
the reason that most people imagine
that the foreign article is much finer
than tho native growths, and they
are right, but the reason of it is a
simple one.
In the European countries the mush-
room is carefully cultivated. Scientific
knowledge and money are expended
and skilled labor employed to grow
the dainty delicacy, and the benefits
reaped are we'll worth the trouble. If
the farmers of this country should give
the matter equal attention, there is
no reason why moro than enough to
supply the Nations demand should
not be grown and a well-paying indus
try established at the same time.
In France the culture of the mush-
room or champignon is n firmly estab-
llshed occupation, giving employment
to hundreds of people and represent
ing an annual value of s., 900, 900.
Each year shows an increase in the in
dustry for the reason that the native
demand exceeds tho supply, to say
nothing of the export demand. France
exports n very small portion of the
annual crop, and imports three times
rs much as she exports. The growth
for the present year amounts TO three
and "A half million pounds, and the
prospects are that nearly 5000, 600
pounds will be harvested during 1896.
Germany, almost jealous of France,
Is Just beginning to appreciate the i'm
portance of the industry, and is about
to take systematic steps to develop
the business within her own boundary
lines. What applies to Germany in
this respect also applies to this coun-
try. Germany also intends to begins
the culture of truflles, which belong to
the tuberace family, and are of great
or market value than the ordinary
mushroom.
Truiiles are found beneath the
ground surface In wooded land, and
the peasant folk of France, if they are
fortunate, sometimes, make n good
living by gathering them. The method
of harvesting them is most unique
There is no external Indication of the
presence of the truffle, and to locate
the hidden delicacy trained pigs and
dogs are used. Their acute sense of
smell locates the truifles, and then the
earth is dug up and the delicacy
brought to light. Pigs are better Tor
the work than dogs, because they are
passionately fond of trulles, and work
with greater diligence. To keep them
IN good humor and encourage them.
the peasants occasionally give them a
small fraction of the result of their la
borF.
The pigs invariably locate the cen
ter of growth OF tFufies, and at once
begin to root up the ground with their
shouts and dig with their forefeet.
The watchful peasant drives the IN.
willing animal away, and then careful
~ uncovers the ground for n space
many feet in diameter.
A commission Is about to be HID.
pointed in Germany to make n study of
the truffle and mushroom farming in
France, and gain all the necessary info
nation, so that the farmer of Germany
will be in position to begin the work
well stocked with knowledge
Germany has fine fields for the cul-
ture of truflles in the Thurinpen
woods, Hartz Mountainsaud Schwartz
valid, but tho United States has TWEEN.
ty suitable localities to one in Ger
many.
In the culture of the mushroom The
main thing is 10 he able to distinguish
readily tho poisonous and edible
growths. 1t Is impossible to guard
against the poisonous rrticle appear
ing in the midst wild article found in
dark and shady valleys, on the edge Of
woodlands, on the banks OF dry rivers
and the thousand ono corners where
they spring mp.
But i'm regularly cultivated beds the
crop is almost perpetual from May I'M
vi November. The regular growers IN
rance either dig n cave or use % cell
lar, or any underground apartment
sheltered from the sunlight. Beds nre
prepared about three feet i'm width
and fiE feet in length, with nm inter.
Ncmng space ON all sides Of about
three feet. Carefully prepared ma.
nure, which has been freed OF all
straw, rs piled foot thick in the bed
md we'll beaten down. I'm two wccks'
time, when tho manure has thorough.
ly permentcd the body Of the bed. n
loose covering Of dark, rich loan is
added.
Considerable care must be taken TO-
keep the temperature of the cellar or
cave between sixty aud eixty.fve de-.
grccs. Within SIX weeks the musb-
rooms have grown sufficiently to- be
harvested, and the utmost care is used
in gathering them. The earth OF the
bed rs never disturbed, and the musb-
room Is cut with n sharp knife, loay.
ing nm inch of the stem above the
ground. The roots ore never pulled
mp, as TINT would iniuro tho succeed.
ing crop
The edible and poisonous erowths
arc easily distinguished The poison
Gus mushroom has sticky, nasty
feeling when handled, but tho best
method for judging it is by the colo,
test. TO has q bluish-greon tinqe, ana
after cutting changes TO black or
bloodred. Tho connoisseur can detect