in 



The value of these materials as fertilizers depends largely upon the amount of 

 nitrogen in their organic matter. In very few instances do we find either the phos- 

 jDoric acid or the potash exceeding the quantities pi-esent in good soils. 



From the table of analyses it will be seen that those examined contained vary- 

 ing quantities of water. If we calculate the percentage of nitrogen upon the water- 

 fi'ee substance we obtain the following figures, which show the relative values of 

 these samples in the dry condition, with respect to this important element of plant 

 nutrition. They 



are arranged according to order of merit. 



Table showing percentage of Nitrogen in dry matter of Mucks, Muds and Peats- 



Ph 



a-3 



A 

 B 

 C 

 D 

 E 

 F 

 G 

 H 

 I 



6 

 9 

 8 

 1 

 7 

 4 

 2 

 3 

 5 



Nature of Mud, &c. 



Pond 



Peat 



Swamp 



do 



Pond 



From under mussel beds 

 do oyster beds. 



Mussel 



Marsh 



Sender. 



Locality. 



Ramsay, Jas Lot 18, P.E.I 



Meldrum, A Bellerica, Ont 



Hickey, J Point Wolfe, N.S 



Hunt, W. J jSummerside, P.E. I . . . . 



Ramsay, Jas iLot 18, P.E.I 



Frier, Jas Shediac, N.B 



Compton, Geo St. Eleanors, P.E.I . . . 



Frier, Jas IShediac, N.B 



do Gaspareau River, N.S . 



774 

 134 

 086 

 ■lt86 

 •773 

 •490 

 •356 

 •133 

 •09.5 



The nitrogen in semi-decomposed vegetable matter is not in such a condition 

 that it can at once be absorbed by plants. The process of rendering such assimilable 

 is one akin to that of fermentation. This beneficial action goes on — though slowly — 

 when the muck or peat is mixed with the soil, provided the degree of temperature 

 and moistuje be favourable. If, however, before application to the soil, the material be 

 composted, its value as a fertilizer will be greatly enhanced, and a quicker return in 

 increased crop yield made to the farmer. Composting favours fermentation, which 

 sets free much valuable plant food. For this purpose, barn-yard manure may be 

 used ; lime and wood-ashes are also strongly recommended. The first is an excellent 

 composting material. .The heat developed in its own fermentation starts a similar 

 action in the colder peat or muck, converting into more soluble forms this locked-up 

 store of nitrogen. These materials, being excellent absorbents, will retain the 

 ammonia — valuable plant food containing nitrogen — formed in this fermerltation, and 

 which would be likely to escape, due to overheating and lack of moisture in the heap. 

 The compost may be made by alternating layers of barn-yard manure with those of 

 the peat or muck — the layers being about 8 inches in thickness. 



Fish waste or refuse, liquid manure and all organic matter, whether animal or 

 vegetable, if easily decomposable, may also be used to advantage in composting. 



As has been stated, lime, ashes and similar substances will bring about the fermen- 

 tation of peat and kindred materials, when accompanied by moisture and warmth. 

 Besides acting directly towards " breaking down " the organic matter, the presence 

 of an alkali appears to encourage the development of the ferment of nitrification. 



When the peat or muck is dug in a very wet condition it should be allowed to 

 dry somewhat before composting, fermentation will then proceed more rapidl} and 

 thoroughly. 



The increased manurial value of these substances after treatment in the compost 

 heap has been testified to by man}^ of my correspondents during the past year. 



The absorbent character of peat and allied materials has already been mentioned 

 It is owing to this quality that they are of special value in the stable, the cow 

 house and the pig-pen, and indeed, wherever there may be liquid manure to absorb. 

 When sprinkled in such places, oot only do they prevent bad smells, but they also 

 preserve for future crops much plant food that would otherAvise go to waste. Much 



