SECRETARY'S REPORT. 195 



gaseous formations evolved by the process of decomposition. In 

 this way, the value of both is increased, so that the mass, bulk for 

 bulk, is really worth more as manure, and will be more effectual in 

 its operations, than the stable manure alone. This has been demon- 

 strated by repeated experiments, so that it is now to be recorded 

 among the most reliable facts of agriculture. This is most emphat- 

 ically the case as an application to potatoes and Indian corn. 

 Experience has shown that such a compost is immensely more 

 effective on these crops, than any other preparation of stable manure 

 alone that has ever been found. And when its composition is 

 carefully considered, it is not difficult to see why it is so. Its very 

 composition would lead any intelligent agriculturist to expect such a 

 result. 



When prepared as above indicated, muck may be spread over the 

 barn-yard, thrown into the pig-sty and the privy, and under the 

 sink-spout, with great advantage, to absorb and retain the volatile 

 evolutions of these places. Indeed, it is better that these places 

 should be supplied with muck without any preparation, than not to 

 have anything. In an entirely raw state it will be of some service, 

 thouo;h very far from the hi";hest. In fact, we believe it is better 

 that it should be applied to highlands, which are usually deficient in 

 organic matter, raw from its bed, than to withhold it altogether. It 

 will not produce much immediate effect, unless of a very superior 

 quality, when thus applied, but ultimately it will produce very 

 marked results, as we have seen for ourselves, especially on the 

 grass crop. One member of this committee made an application of 

 this sort to a piece of land to which no stable manure had ever been 

 applied, some six years ago, and the effect is plainly visible to this 

 time, though the amount applied would have been a very light dressing 

 had it been the best quality of stable manure. 



In the light of these facts, the committee think they are justified 



in saying that muck can hardly be applied to our soils amiss, and 



in urging farmers everywhere to put whatever deposits of muck they 



may have, under the highest contributions, to add to the manure 



heap, in particular. We deem that the farmer who has an ample 



deposit of muck, has a mine of wealth that will prove more productive 



under proper management, than any of the diggings of California 



or Australia. 



Darius Forbes, Chairman. , 



