ANIMAL MANURES 211 



resting on a wooden framework, in order to keep off rain and 

 sunshine. As before, the manure should be well turned 

 before it is thrown in, or it will become very heated and 

 spoil itself. Such a pit is extremely useful. The manure 

 can be dug out as needed and will be fine rich material. 



If there is only a piece of ordinary ground at the end of 

 the garden on which to store manure, do not, as is 

 sometimes advised, sprinkle the heap with quicklime, 

 chloride of lime, or sulphuric acid to keep down the 

 unpleasant smell. These materials spoil the manure 

 (except manure from pig- sties which must be mixed 

 with lime). The proper material to use is gypsum or 

 sulphate of lime. This can be sprinkled freely over the 

 entire surface, or even mixed with the manure to prevent 

 loss of ammonia, etc. Some writers advise the watering 

 of spent manure heaps with the impure ammoniacal liquor 

 produced in gas works. Spent manure heaps are those 

 which have been exposed to rain, snow, wind, and sunshine 

 for a lengthy period, have given off most of their ammonia, 

 and have had most of the soluble salts washed out. This 

 advice seems to be of doubtful value, seeing that this liquor 

 frequently contains ingredients which are harmful, if not 

 poisonous, to plant life. Manure heaps should never be 

 allowed to become spent. 



