MANURES AND THEIR APPLICATION. 



307 



Samples of these three parts were taken and analysed at 

 intervals of six, nine, and twelvemonths, and the weights of the 

 three parts when fresh and at the intervals stated, are seen in 

 the first table. 



The loss of weight was in each case very considerable, and 

 was most in the case of the heap under cover. An examination 

 of the next table shows that most of the loss was due to the 

 escape of water, but that in heaps I. and III. there was also con- 

 siderable loss of other important ingredients. Limiting our 

 attention to four constituents of the manure, viz., water, organic 

 matter, nitrogen, and ash, we find that the percentages of these 

 constituents at the various dates were as follows : — 



We see from the first column that the proportion of water 

 contained in heap II., \\hich was under cover, gradually 



