MANURES. 125 



nable for mulching * young trees and plants when 

 first set out. 



SAWDUST AXD SOOT. 



Sawdust in its natural state is of very little value 

 to the land, but when decomposed, as may be done 

 by the same method as was described for tan-bark, 

 it is of some importance, on account of the carbon 

 that it contains. Its ash, too, which becomes avail- 

 able, contains soluble earthy matter, and in^ this 

 way it acts as a direct manure. So far as concerns 

 the value of the ash, however, bark is superior to 

 sawdust. Sawdust may be partially rotted by mix- 

 ing it with strong manure (such as that of the hog- 

 pen), while it acts as a divisor, and prevents its too 

 rapid action when applied to the soil. Some kinds 

 of sawdust, such as that from beech-wood, form acetic 

 acid on their decomposition, and these should be treat- 

 ed with, at least, a sufficient quantity of lime to cor- 

 rect the acid. 



Soot is a good manure. It contains much carbon, 

 and has, thus far, all of the beneficial effects of char- 

 coal dust. The sulphur, wliich is one of its consti- 

 tuents, not only serves as food for plants, but, from 

 its odor, affords a good protection against some in- 

 sects. A handful of soot thrown over a melon vine, 

 or young cabbage plant, will keep away many in- 

 sects. 



Soot contains some ammonia, and as this is in 

 the form of a sidphute, it is not volatile, and consc- 

 * See the glossary at the end of the book. 



