ANIMAL MANURES 209 



heaps and are wasted. Putrefaction is a destructive 

 process, but of course we cannot help that. Wherever 

 there is a manure heap of any size, putrefaction goes on, 

 and with it waste of good material unless steps are taken 

 to conserve it. 



I wonder very much why horticultural and agricultural 

 societies have not drawn greater public attention to this 

 subject of waste of manures. Perhaps it is because people 

 think it is vulgar and indelicate to speak or write about 

 manure. But the crops we live on cannot be grown 

 without it, our very life depends upon it, and national 

 economy ought to demand that nothing of that sort should 

 be wasted. I am devoting special chapters to the subject 

 because of its importance. 



It is wicked waste to let manure heaps drain away into 

 sewers, as is so often done ; and it is scandalous that we 

 do not make use of the millions of gallons of sewage which 

 are produced every year from dwelling-houses. Some of 

 it is used, but only too small a part. Artificial manure 

 makers dry it and sell it at 6d. or is. a lb., but they cannot 

 deal with it as it might and should be dealt with. So the 

 bulk of this valuable manure is pumped into our rivers, 

 or runs into the sea direct, and is wasted. That is one form 

 of waste, and there are many others ; for instance, where 

 big manure heaps are allowed to burn their hearts out and 

 no attempt made to save the liquid draining from them. 

 How can amateur gardeners be expected to avoid waste 

 in this matter if big manure users do not set the example. 

 The amateur is apt to follow the farmer, and say, "Well, 

 the farmer does not bother about his manure heaps, so 

 why should I ? " 



In a small garden it is difficult to avoid waste, but some- 

 thing can be done. Animal manures should be kept 

 separate if they are purchased separately, built into conical 

 heaps and well beaten with the spade. If they are to be 

 stored for a long time, the heaps should be turned 

 completely over once a week for a month, and the soil 

 surrounding them should either be mixed in, or be made into 



