MANURES, AND HOW TO USE THEM 53 



are virtues in the gardener's bonfire that are not always ap- 

 preciated either by himself or by his next-door neighbours. Its 

 primary object is, of course, the destruction of rubbish, and if 

 its foundations be well and truly laid its effectiveness in this 

 respect cannot be excelled. But its value is increased a thousand- 

 fold if one realises, even though one's eyes are almost blinded by 

 thick, pungent smoke, that the cheerful blaze is putting paid 

 to the account of myriads of insect pests that are the bane of the 

 gardener's life at midsummer. A November bonfire means a 

 healthy garden nine months thence. 



The greatest asset of the autumn bonfire, however, is to be found 

 in the ashes that are its residue when the last scrap of refuse has 

 been consumed. These have a manurial and fertilising value 

 that is often forgotten. They sliould be carefully preserved, and, 

 as opportunity permits, be strewn over the asparagus or onion 

 bed in the early spring, be incorporated with potting mould, or 

 indeed be used anywhere where the soil needs enriching. 



The value of liquid manures, particularly when plants and 

 trees are nearing their highest point of maturity in the course 

 of the year, can hardly be exaggerated. The advantages of 

 liquid over solid manures are that their effect upon growing 

 plants is immediate, and for this reason, if for no other, care 

 should be exercised in their use. It will be advisable therefore 

 to consider briefly how they should be made and when and where 

 they should be applied. 



Liquid manure is water holding in solution all the chemical 

 constituents of the fertilisers that supply to plants their natural 

 food. Many materials can be used in its composition. Those 

 most generally employed are horse, cow, sheep, pig and poultry 

 droppings ; house slops and soot. These may be utilised either 

 separately or all together. In the latter case the best plan is to 

 procure a large tub or barrel which has been rendered thoroughly 

 water-tight and fitted with a beer barrel-tap ; next obtain a small 

 sack or bag, fill it with the manures, and suspend it inside the 

 cask by means of a stout stake placed over the top. Afterwards 

 fill the barrel with water, stir it well with a stick once or twice 



