MANURES. 121 



bnried by the roots of grape-vines, or trees, or com- 

 posted as above. 



BONES, 



The hones of animals contain pliospliate of lime 

 and gelatine. The gelatine is a nitrogenous sub- 

 stance, and produces ammonia on its decomposition. 

 This subject will be treated more fully under the 

 head of " phosphate of lime " in the chapter on min- 

 eral manures, where the treatment of bones is con- 

 sidered more directly with reference to the fertilizing 

 value of their earthy parts. 



Fisn. 



In many localities near the sea-shore large quanti- 

 ties of fish are caught and applied directly to the soil. 

 These make excellent manure. They contain much 

 nitrogen, wdiich renders them strongly ammoniacal 

 on decomposition. Their bones consist of phosphate 

 and carbonate of lime; and, being natm-ally soft, they 

 decompose in the soil with great facility, and become 

 available to plants. The scales of fish contain valu- 

 able quantities of nitrogen, etc., all of which are 

 highly useful. 



Refuse fishy matters from markets and from the 

 house are well worth saving. These and fish caught 

 for manm-emay be made into compost with prepared 

 muck, or earth, etc. ; and as they putrefy rapidly, they 

 soon become ready for use. They may be added to 

 the compost of stable manure with great advantage. 



