MANURES AND FERTILIZING MATERIALS. 



61 



ONE WAY OF HANDLING MANURE. 



used to furnish plant food and to improve the physical 

 condition of sandy soils. While it is variable in com- 

 position it generally contains phosphoric acid, potash 

 and lime. 



Wood Ashes. In some sections this material is 

 used for fertilizer. Hard wood ashes are more valu- 

 able than soft wood ashes. Wood ashes average 

 about 30 per cent, lime, 5 per cent, potash and 1.5 per 

 cent, phosphoric acid. In the North it is sometimes 

 used on tobacco lands. 



Muck. This is heavy dark earth found in swampy 

 places. It is rich in organic matter and can be used 

 on sandy soils. 



Gypsum. This substance is sold as land plaster and 

 is used for its lime content. 



Composts. A compost is usually made up of lay- 

 ers of manure and vegetable matter. Sometimes lime, 

 acid phosphate, cotton seed, and similar fertilizing ma- 

 terials are added to it. A compost can be made in the 

 following manner: First select a shady place and pro- 



