THE COMPOST 



If fresh stable manure is secured it should 

 be thrown into piles not more than 4 feet 

 high and of any extent desired. It is unsat- 

 isfactory to make one great pyramid, or 

 many nondescript heaps. At first the ma- 

 nure should be thoroughly wet throughout. 

 Subsequently it will be necessary to main- 

 tain it in a moist state, and to turn, or fork 

 over, the pile three or four times, or oftener, 

 depending upon the conditions. Under or- 

 dinary circumstances if the manure is well 

 moistened it may be properly fermented in 

 three weeks or somewhat less, being turned 

 at intervals of from three to five days. The 

 presence of shavings or sawdust may necessi- 

 tate a longer fermentation interval, and the 

 longest fermentation period will be required 

 when there is much resin in the shavings. 

 At each turning it should be seen that there 

 is sufficient moisture throughout the pile, 

 and it is usually necessary to water during 

 the turning process, in order that the mois- 

 ture may reach all parts. With the main- 

 tenance of adequate moisture, the attain- 



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