4SS AGRICULTURAL E3SATS. 



useful in promoting the germination of the seed, and in assist- 

 ing the plant in the first stage of its growth, when it is most 

 feeble, and most liable to disease ; and the fermentation of ma- 

 nure in the soil, must be particularly favorable to the wheat 

 crop, in preserving a genial temperature beneath the surface 

 late in autumn, and during winter." Again, says he, it is a 

 general principle in chemistry, that in all cases of decomposi- 

 tion, substances combine much more readily at the moment of 

 their disengagement, than after they have been perfectly form- 

 ed. And in fermentation beneath the soil, the fluid matter pro- 

 duced is applied instantly, even while it is warm, to the organs of 

 the plant, and consequently, is more likely to be efficient, than 

 in manure that has gone through the process ; and of which, all 

 the principles have entered into new combinations." 



It would seem from the above remarks of Mr. Davy, which 

 are probably founded on correct principles, that vegetable sub- 

 stances, proper for compost manure, would prove most effica- 

 eious, by being buried v/ith the seed, before they had become 

 decomposed by fermentation. But as such substances, during 

 the time necessary to collect tliem, are exposed, many of them, 

 to the alternations of drought and moisture, before the proper" 

 period of seed time,the expediency of collecting them together in 

 some suitable and convenient place of deposit, where they may 

 become partially decomposed,withoutbeing injured by excessive 

 fermentation, is very obvious. These, and other considerations, 

 have induced ma^ny farmers, both in England and America, to 

 appropriate for this object, a small piece of ground with boards 

 or stone, as circumstances will best admit, from two to four rods 

 in length, and five or six feet high; the extent to be apportion- 

 ed to the probable quantity of substances, intended to be there- 

 by secured ; one end of which is left open, or so that it may be 

 opened, to take out the compost, v/hen ready for use. This to 

 be made the receptacle in T/hich to deposit every ingredient 

 which in a itate of decomposition, may be useful as manure. 

 In the spring of the year, whaterer remains in the barn-yard, 

 of any kind of straw, or spoiled hay, or any substances not in a 

 proper or convenient state to be applied as a manure, to be de- 

 posited in this receptacle, which should generally be located 

 adjoining the barn-yard. This to be considered the place of 

 deposit for all the scrapings of the wood-yard, cleanings of the 

 cellar, leached ashes, and generally, for every kind of dirt or 

 substance capable of making manure.* When this by practice, 



* Among the refuse matters which furnish continual re?ourres 

 for compost manure, may be enumerated the flesh of shambles 



