154 SOILS AND FERTILIZERS 



184. Hog Manure. — The composition of hog ma- 

 nure is exceedingly variable on account of the varied 

 character of the food consumed. The manure from 

 fattening hogs which are well fed compares very fa- 

 vorably in composition and value with the manure 

 produced by other animals. It contains a high per 

 cent, of w r ater, and, like cow manure, may be slow 

 in decomposing. From a given weight of grain, pigs 

 produce less dry matter in the manure than sheep or 

 cows. The liquid excrements of well-fed hogs 

 are rich in nitrogen, containing, on an average, about 2 

 per cent. On account of hog manure containing so 

 much water, losses by leaching readily occur. The 

 solid excrements when leached and deprived of the 

 liquid excrements have but little value as a fertilizer. 



185. Hen Manure. — Like all other farm manures 

 hen manure is variable in composition. The nitrogen 

 is present mainly in the form of ammonium com- 

 pounds. This makes it a quick-acting fertilizer. 

 When fowds are well fed the manure contains about 

 the same amount of nitrogen as sheep manure. Hen 

 manure readily ferments, and if not properly cared 

 for losses of nitrogen, as ammonia, occur. It is not 

 advisable to mix hard w T ood ashes or ordinary lime 

 with hen manure because the ammonia is so readily 

 liberated by alkaline compounds. The value of hen 

 manure is due to its being a quick-acting fertilizer 

 rather than to its containing such a large amount of 



