ANIMAL MANURES 207 



of the manure is greatly impaired, and the application of 

 lime or, better still, a soil fumigant with the manure is 

 almost essential. 



The manure from pig-sties is good for the flower garden, 

 but it is too powerful for use in a fresh state. It contains 

 about one-third of the amount of potash compared with 

 stable dung, and half or rather more than half as much 

 phosphoric acid. It is, however, considerably richer in 

 nitrogen, and contains more, sometimes much more, lime 

 than stable dung. It should never be used on a stiff clay 

 soil, but on light sandy soils it gives fine results. The best 

 way to treat it is to mix the fresh manure with a quantity 

 of lime, soil, or vegetable refuse, and let it lie in a heap 

 covered over with soil for several months. It will then 

 mellow down, and can be dug in deeply. Even so, it is 

 no good for surface work, neither is fresh cow dung ; it 

 must be buried at least 12 ins., and can be used at the rate 

 of 4-5 cwt. per square rod. 



Sheep manure is of some importance. It is specially 

 rich in sulphur and nitrogen. It can be used in a fairly 

 fresh state, but it is a good plan to mix it with soil or 

 vegetable refuse. It can be used at the rate of two barrow- 

 fuls to every square rod, dug in during the winter. It is 

 better for light soils such as those of a sandy, gravelly, or 

 chalky nature, than for ordinary loams, and should not 

 be used on a strong clay. 



Fowl and pigeon manures are very strong to use; 

 6 to 8 Ibs. per square rod applied in the spring is 

 ample. They are useful for all soils and are extremely 

 rich in soluble nitrates and phosphates. The same with 

 guano, though this is more of an all-round manure ; 4 Ibs. 

 of guano per square rod are usually enough. I do not 

 refer to the several patent artificial guanos, but to the 

 original well-known manure produced by sea-birds. 



Blood is a powerful nitrogenous manure, but it is unsuit- 

 able for use in a fresh state. The best method of preparing 

 it as a manure is to add i Ib. of lime to every gallon of 

 blood, stir well, allow to dry, and pulverise. This can be 



