FARMER'S ASSISTANT. fiflr 



^Pigeons' dung, which is chiefly calcareous matter, is 

 found very efficacious, when powdered, and a slight quantity 

 applied to lands ; while, at the same time, too much will 

 prove hurtful at first. The dung of other fowls is very 

 similar, though some more and some less efficacious. 



See POULTRY, where this kind of manure is to be made 

 in the greatest quantities. 



We must also notice human ordure, which is capable of 

 feeing converted into a very powerful manure, after being 

 mixed with suitable earths, and having a due length of time 

 to prepare it in a compost of suitable earths, &c. It re- 

 quires two years to bring it to perfection. 



Barilla is highly valuable, as a manure. Old woolen rags 

 are also very good. A piece, of the si2e of a Man 5 s hand, 

 will serve to manure a hill of potatoes, when properly bu- 

 fried in the soil beneath the growing plants. 



We will now speak of another calcareous earth which, in 

 this Country, is commonly entitled to the highest con- 

 sideration, as a cheap and valuable manure, and this is 

 gyfisum. 



( One hundred parts.of gypsum (says Mr. Chafital} con- 

 tain thirty of sulphuric acid, thirty- two of pure earth, and 

 thirty eight of water.' If it be kept in a fire of considera- 

 ble intensity, in contact with powder of charcoal, the acid 

 is decomposed, and the residue is lime. 9 



Gypsum is found in the earth in four different states : 

 1, in the pulverulent and friable form, which constitutes 

 gypseous earth, fossil flour, Sec. ; 2, in solid masses, which 

 constitute plaister-stone ; 3, in stalactites; and, 4, in deter- 

 minate chrystals of different forms.' 



< The color of gypsum (he adds) is subject to a great 

 number of varieties, which are the signs of various quali- 

 ties, relative to its uses. The white is the most beautiful; 

 but sometimes it is gray, and in this case it is less esteem- 

 ed, and less valuable. The several states of the oxyde of 

 iron, with which it abounds, in greater or less quantities^ 

 constitute its rosecolored, red, and black varieties.* 



For almost all soils, except clays and wet loams, this is 

 the cheapest manure that can be applied ; and its use in 

 this Country serves greatly to equalize the value of lands, 

 by rendering those which are naturally poor almost as pro- 

 ductive as the rich. 



The gypsum that abounds in the interior of the State of 

 Newyork is much superior to that of Novascoda ; not only 

 as to its being a greater stimulant to the growth of plants ; 

 but in regard to its being more general in its operation, 

 better calculated to assist the growth of all plants, in all 

 soils and situations, 



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