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Thus let it remain together three or four weeks, according to the quantity and strength of heat, in order that it may meliorate, by discharging the rank obnoxious steam; and if it is turned over once every week, it will still incorporate the parts more effectually, and give an additional vent to the fierce ferment.

This preparation of the dung is absolutely necessary, as without such precaution, when formed into a close bed, it is apt to acquire such a vehement degree of heat, as to burn and exhaust its vegetative power, without being able to effect the purpose intended; for the spawn requires a bed that only gradually advances to its full heat, and declines in the same gradual manner; till reduced to the low, kindly, growing warmth that is peculiar to the nature of the spawn, and the growth of the Mushroom: