264 TRUCK-FARMING AT THE SOUTH. 



fermentation, and hence its effects are probably more 

 thorough, though both plans have given good results. 



DIRECTIONS FOR COMPOSTING. Spread under shelter 

 a layer of stable manure four inches thick; on this 

 sprinkle a portion of the phosphate ; next spread a layer 

 of cotton seed three inches thick ; wet these thoroughly 

 with water, and then apply more of the phosphate ; next 

 spread another layer of stable manure three inches thick, 

 and continue to repeat these layers in the above order, 

 and in proportion to the quantity of each used to the 

 ton, until the material is consumed. Cover the whole 

 mass with stable manure, or scrapings from the lot, one 

 or two inches thick. Allow the heap to stand in this 

 condition until a thorough fermentation takes place, 

 which will require from three to six weeks, according to 

 circumstances; dependent upon proper degree of moisture 

 and the strength of materials used. When the cotton 

 seeds are thoroughly killed, with a sharp hoe or mattock, 

 cut down vertically through the layers ; pulverize and 

 shovel into a heap, where the fermentation will be re- 

 newed, and the compost be still further improved. Let 

 it lie two weeks after cutting down; it will then be ready 

 for use. 



The following plan of mixture gives equally satisfactory 

 results : Mix the cotton seed and the stable manure in 

 proper proportion, moisten them with water, apply the 

 proper proportion of phosphate and mix thoroughly, 

 shoveling into a mass as prepared. 



There is some advantage in this plan, from the fact 

 that the ingredients are thoroughly commingled during 

 fermentation. 



FOR COTTON. Apply in the opening furrow two hun- 

 dred pounds, and with the planting seed seventy-five or 

 one hundred pounds, making in all two hundred and 

 seventy-five or three hundred pounds per acre. If it is 



