IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL 59 



an abundant supply could always be had at a reason- 

 able cost, there would be comparatively little need for 

 other fertilizers. It is only on those farms, however, 

 where the feeding of live stock is the principal indus- 

 try that it can be produced in sufficient quantity to 

 fully supply the need for maintaining fertility. A 

 considerable amount can, of course, be obtained in 

 towns and cities, but the expense of transporting it 

 back to the farms becomes a considerable item, and 

 the same amount of benefit can often be obtained 

 more cheaply by other means. In every case, how- 

 ever, all the stable manure produced on the farm, be it 

 much or little, should be carefully saved and utilized. 

 On only too many farms, especially in new countries, 

 this important matter is grossly neglected, and the 

 manure is either wasted entirely or it is handled so 

 carelessly that half of its value is lost. If not carried 

 at once to the field when taken from the stable, it 

 should be piled under some rough shed, where it 

 will be at least partially protected from the rain. If 

 it is where it will be tramped and compacted by cattle, 

 or worked over by hogs, so much the better. If large 

 quantities are thrown out at once, it should be thor- 

 oughly wet down to avoid a kind of mold known as fire- 

 fanging. Thin layers of earth spread over the grow- 

 ing pile from time to time are also useful for absorbing 

 the ammonia that escapes as fermentation progresses. 

 Some farmers construct expensive cemented ditches 

 or cellars in which to store manure, but this is not 

 necessary. All that is needed is that it be sheltered 

 from washing rains, and that care be taken to keep 

 the piles compact and moist enough to prevent fire- 



