FARMER'S ASSISTANT. 215 



from mere collections of alluvial or other rich earths, 

 wherever they can be had, and mixing them with lime 

 sufficient to produce the requisite degree of fermentation, 

 which is to be effected by frequently stiring up the mass 

 with the plough, or the shovel; and in this state is carted 

 out, and mixed immediately with the soil. 



Composts are also made in some parts of that Country, 

 in which peat commonly forms about three-fourths of the 

 mass; the remainder being fresh barn-dung, together with 

 some lime to be laid on the top, to assist in the decomposi- 

 tion of the peat, as the mass becomes properly heated. 



The peat and the dung are first to be laid down in layers, 

 in proportion to their respective quantities, until the heap is 

 made about four feet high. Sticks are to be run down into 

 the heap, in different parts of it, to ascertain the degree of 

 heat the mass has acquired ; and whenever it approaches to 

 blood-heat, it must be either watered, or turned over, as 

 there is danger of the whole being consumed, particularly 

 in warm weather, if the mass become too warm. 



After the heat subsides, which it does in time according 

 to the state of the atmosphere, and the degree of perfection 

 in proportioning the materials of the heap, it is to lie until 

 about three weeks before it is to be applied to the soil; 

 when it is to be turned upside down, outside in, and a 

 second heat comes on, which must be carefully attended to, 

 as before ; and, when this subsides, the mass is to be ap- 

 plied to the soil. 



The mass of manure thus made is found to be as good, 

 as the same weight of roten barn-dung. Care and experi- 

 ence seem, however, necessary in making this manure to 

 perfection. In Summer, it may be made in eight or ten 

 weeks : In cooler weather, a longer time is necessary. 



Where the peat is taken from beneath the surface, it 

 should be thrown up some time before, for the purpose of 

 drying, and being lighter in transportation. The compost, 

 while making, should be kept as light as possible. 



See EARTHS, in regard to the description of peat. 



That which abounds on the surface of some swamps, and 

 uplands, is readily decomposed by the application of lime, 

 and mixing it with this earth. 



We will mention another kind of compost, in which lime 

 is an ingredient, as recommended by the Society of Improv- 

 ers in Scotland, for making use of the ridges along-side 

 of fences, in fields which have been long ploughed, 



First plough the ridge deep with a cleaving furrow; then 

 cart on a layer of stiff clay, then a layer of barn-dung, then 

 another of clay, and on the whole a layer oi: lime, and cover 

 the mass over with ploughed earth from euch side, and let 



