MANURES. 79 



decomposed animal manure will be equal to three inches 

 of a partially decayed compost. 



SECTION 4. LIQUID MANURE. 



Manure, in a liquid state, has these advantages to recom- 

 mend it : It can be applied to trees and plants in a grow- 

 ing state without, in the least, disturbing the surface of 

 the soil, and it supplies, at the same time, both nutriment 

 and moisture. It can be applied to bearing trees, straw- 

 berries, etc., -in fruit, if defective in vigor, or suffering 

 from drouth, and yield an immediate sustenance, ^that 

 will enable them to produce much larger and finer fruit 

 than they could have done without it. 



It may either be collected in a tank, kept on purpose 

 near the barns, or it may be made when wanted by dis- 

 solving manure in water. It may be much stronger for 

 trees, the roots of which are a considerable distance from 

 the surface, than for such plants as have their roots near 

 the surface. It is the only prompt and effectual stimu- 

 lant for trees on a poor soil, to enable them to perfect 

 their crop. We have frequently witnessed its astonishing 

 effects. It should be applied in the evening, and in such 

 quantity as to penetrate to the roots ; half a dozen water- 

 ings will be sufficient in most cases, but it is better to 

 apply it well diluted, and often, than a smaller quantity, 

 too strong. A dozen shovelfuls of animal manure will 

 make a barrel of liquid powerful enough for most pur- 

 poses ; and if pure liquid soakage of the manure heap or 

 urine of animals is used, at least one-half rain-water ' 

 should be added. Soap-suds forms an excellent liquid 

 manure for all trees. The grape-vine is especially bene- 

 fited by liberal and frequent application. 



