MANURES. 337 



NOTES. The immediate effect of vegetable manures in 

 hastening the growth of plants is dependent, in a great 

 measure, upon the quantity of nitrogen they contain, which 

 is given off chiefly in the form of ammonia during their 

 decay in the soil, and may be nearly exhausted in a single 

 season. 



Their permanent effect and value is to be estimated by 

 the quantity and quality of inorganic matter they contain, 

 or ash they leave when burned, and may not be exhausted 

 for several years. 



Besides inorganic matters and nitrogen, there are other 

 ingredients in vegetable manures which are necessary to the 

 sustenance and growth of plants. 



Each of the elements present in decayed or decaying plants 

 is capable either of ministering to, or preparing food for such 

 as are still alive. 



All refuse vegetable or animal matter on a farm, such as 

 straw, leaves, vegetable tops, chips, sawdust, ashes, dead 

 animals, bones, horns, hoofs, entrails, &c., &c., should be 

 carefully saved and composted, or otherwise made into 

 manure for the use of the farm. 



Analysis of a manure heap in the condition usually ap- 

 plied to the field. 



Fresh. j Dried at 212. 



Water.. ,. 64.96 Carbon.. . . 37.40 



Organic Matter 24.71 



Inorganic Salts 10.33 



Hydrogen 5.27 



Oxygen 25.52 



Nitrogen 1.76 



Ashes (inorganic matter) 30.05 



15 



