29^ AC.RICl'LTURE OF MAINE. 



Their results also indicated another more important fact, — 

 that the earlier the manure is put on the fields, the better are 

 the returns secured. No figures need be given, but their results 

 showed conclusively that fall and winter applications are better 

 than those of spring, in increasing crop production. That is, 

 the earlier we can get the manure upon the fields after it is 

 produced, the better returns we will have the following year. 



However, there are several reasons why it might be imprac- 

 tical to haul to the field and spread at once. Therefore we will 

 consider some way of storing manure to limit the loss to the 

 lowest possible figures. The manure cellar, which may be 

 objectionable for sanitary reasons, will be first considered. 

 There may be considerable loss by seepage, from the manure 

 cellar, if the liquid manure is not absorbed, and this loss may 

 occur without the farmer's realizing it. If it is possible the 

 floor of a manure cellar should be of impervious material to 

 prevent loss. It is good policy where practical, to mix the 

 manure of horses and cows when it is stored. The cold, wet 

 cow manure prevents the horse manure from heating and they 

 are better preserved for the mixture. It is also good practice 

 to allow hogs to run over the manure, as they work it over 

 and add their own wet excrement which tends to keep it moist 

 and to prevent heating. 



Another good method of preserving manure is to leave it 

 in the stable or shed and let the animals run over it. This 

 is practical with sheep and steers and it is practiced with dairy 

 cows. The cows are allowed to run loose over the shed and 

 are only taken out at milking time. The use of plenty of bed- 

 ding will keep them as clean as in a stable and there is only 

 a slight loss of plant food when manure is produced under 

 these conditions. The animals keep it compact and rrioist, and 

 if plent)- of bedding is used the method is not objectionable 

 for the animals. It might be found practical to cover a part 

 of the barnyard and use it in this way. Manure produced in 

 this manner can be removed at convenient times, and while 

 accumulating will not be a detriment to the stock. 



Storing manure under cover in a lean-to or small cheap 

 shed will do very well. A water tight floor would of course 

 increase its efficiency by preventing loss from seepage. The 

 advantage of this plan is that the manure is kept under cover 



