MANURES. 109 



unless in the case of land which is to be plowed in 

 the fall for spring crops, Mhen it is well to spread 

 the manure after plowing, to be harrowed in in 

 the spring. 



This practice is of course not admissible on steep 

 hill-sides or other surfaces where the manure would 

 be subjected to the danger of being washed away by 

 water flowing over the surface in winter or spring. 



Diflferent circumstances necessarily require a dif- 

 ferent treatment of manure ; but the following prin- 

 ciples are applicable to all cases : 



1. All organic manures are much improved by 

 being thoroughly decomposed before being applied 

 to the land. 



2. It is always advantageous (though not always 

 advisable) that their fermentation take place in the 

 compost heap, where they give a part of their value 

 to muck or other refuse organic matter, which pre- 

 vents all waste of fertilizing gases. 



3. All animal manures should be carefully pro- 

 tected against sun, rain," and wind, from the time they 

 are dropped until they are spread upon the land. 



4. The solid dung should always be so kept that 

 it will absorb the urine. 



5. For the mechanical improvement of the soil, 

 raw manure should be deeply mixed with it. 



6. For immediate fertilizing effect, well-rot.ted 

 manure should be applied to, and harrowed in near 

 the surface. 



