19-1 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



comparative economical advantages, "when all things are taken into 

 the account, of the different methods of treating swamp and bog 

 muck. In the absence of these, thej can only state what are their 

 impressions from their own experience and observation. 



In the decomposition of all vegetable matters, acids are always 

 generated in the mass, except when in the presence of alkaline sub- 

 stances. It is so with swamp and bog muck. More or less acids 

 are always found in them which are detrimental to vegetation. The 

 first thing to secure in the preparation of muck for manure is the 

 removal of these acids. This can be done in two ways — by mixing 

 an alkali with the mass, or by exposing it to the action of the sun, 

 the rains and the frosts. The first is speedily accomplished ; the 

 other will require a comparatively long time — two or more years, 

 according to its more or less perfect exposure to the action of these 

 agencies, and the amount of acid to be neutralized. Both our expe- 

 rience and observation lead us to prefer the first, as the most eifectual 

 and economical, as well as expeditious method, though both may be 

 combined with advantage, to a certain extent. In the use of an 

 alkali, and especially lime and wood ashes, certain very valuable 

 elements of fertility are added to the mass, as well as important 

 chemical changes and combinations secured. 



We are very decidedly of the opinion that the very best method 

 of preparing muck for use is to mix lime slaked with salt water 

 with the mass, in sufficient quantities not only to neutralize the 

 acids, but to. hasten the decomposition of any partially decomposed 

 particles that may be mixed with it. This is especially important 

 when the muck is of a peaty character, or abounds in the roots of 

 grasses and weeds. We have never found anything so eifectual in 

 accomplishing these two purposes as this preparation, which is made 

 by dissolving a bushel of salt in water suificient to slake a cask of 

 lime. After being mixed well together, the muck should be allowed 

 to lie in a heap for three or four months or more, when it will be fit 

 for use, in any way that may be desired. 



We believe, however, that the best and highest results in the 

 use of muck, can be obtained only by being composted with stable 

 manure, after being prepared as above indicated. Its effect is not 

 only to add certain very important elements to the stable manure, 

 but if in a green or unfermented state, to absorb and retain the 



