524 EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE. 



The ashes of sea coal or mineral coal are likewise used as a 

 manure, but they are deemed very inferior to the Dutch ashes 

 properly so called. Heath lands are sometimes lightly skimmed, 

 and the heath burnt for the sake of the ashes ; but if it is intended 

 to cultivate the land or to plant it for trees, it is deemed hurtful 

 to remove the ashes of the surface. Wood ashes and the ashes 

 from the soap-boilers are likewise most carefully saved and 

 applied. Wood ashes are not easily obtained, because of their 

 extensive use in the arts. The ashes from the soap-boilers are 

 much esteemed by the Flemish for strong and moist lands, and 

 have a value from their containing a considerable quantity of 

 lime. The refuse from the bleacheries, which contains a large 

 quantity of soap, is more valued for dry and light lands; both of 

 these manures are greatly esteemed for clover and for dry 

 meadows. Their effects are understood to last for three years, 

 and they are more efficacious the second than the first year. 



The cakes from the colza, or rape, which remain after the oil 

 has been expressed, are very much used for manure ; in which 

 case they are thrown into the urine cistern, and applied thus 

 mixed. They are supposed very much to increase the efficacy 

 of this liquid manure. Within a few years, however, as I learnt 

 at Courtray, these cakes have been used with advantage for the 

 feeding of cows and swine. 



In some parts of France and Belgium the stalks of the colza 

 are ploughed in for manure, and sometimes burnt upon the 

 ground, reliance being placed upon the efficacy of the ashes ; 

 and in some of the wine countries, the cuttings of the vines are 

 dug in for manure, it is said, with singular efficacy. It is thus 

 that that which has been taken from the earth for the growth of 

 a plant, is returned to it as a principal element in the growth 

 of the same kind of plant which is to follow. 



Soot is likewise used as a top dressing with great advantage, 

 and is considered twice as valuable as ashes. It is applied to the 

 young clover and to garden vegetables, and is estimated highly 

 for its power in destroying insects. Under good management, 

 every article capable of being converted into vegetable food, or 

 of enriching the earth, should be saved as manure. 



I have already spoken of the use of the drain ings of the factory 

 where potatoes are converted into starch ; their effects upon 

 grass land were most remarkable. I have in another place 



