The object in firming it down after spawning is to make the surface of the bed level, and also to bring the material in the bed very closely in touch on all sides with the spawn with which it is impregnated.
"Studies of American Fungi. Mushrooms, Edible, Poisonous, etc."
George Francis Atkinson
The breaking-plow is used to loosen the soil, and to undo the firming that has been taking place while plant roots prevented deep tillage.
"Crops and Methods for Soil Improvement"
Alva Agee
Her hands moved deftly, and Wes, who had finished firming the earth about the plant, watched them.
"O. Henry Memorial Award Prize Stories of 1921"
Various