\J2 SOILS AND FERTILIZERS 



191. Hog Manure. Hog manure is not constant in 

 composition on account of the varied character of the 

 food consumed. The manure from fattening hogs 

 which are well fed compares favorably in composition 

 and value with that produced by other animals. It 

 contains a high per cent of water, and, like cow ma- 

 nure, may be slow in decomposing. On account of 

 containing so much water, losses by leaching readily 

 occur. From a given weight of grain, pigs produce 

 less dry matter in the manure than do sheep or cows. 

 The liquid excrements of well-fed hogs are rich in ni- 

 trogen, containing, on an average, about . 2 per cent. 

 The solids when leached, fermented, and deprived of 

 the liquid excrements have little value as fertilizer. 



192. Hen Manure. - - Like all other farm manures, 

 hen manure is variable in composition. The nitrogen 

 is mainly in the form of ammonium compounds, making 

 it a quick-acting fertilizer. When fowls are well fed 

 the manure contains about the same amount of nitro- 

 gen as that of sheep. Hen manure readily ferments 

 and if not properly cared for losses of nitrogen, as 

 ammonia, occur. It is not advisable to mix with it 

 hard wood ashes or ordinary lime, because the ammo- 

 nia 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 a large amount of 

 fertility. A hen produces about a bushel of manure 

 per year. 



