THE HENNERY AND PIGGERY. 1^ 



much less a mistake to permit the droppings of our fowls to lie 

 under cover, but uncovered with some composting material. 

 In this situation there is less waste from decomposition ; but we 

 have found the dry excrement filled with vermin of various 

 kinds that make their abode in it and feed upon it, and conse- 

 quently diminish its value. It is wonderful to see the provis- 

 ions which a kind Providence thus makes for turning all forms 

 of decaying matter again into animal life, and keeping the air 

 pure and the world full of the higher order of organized exist- 

 ence. We would not counteract this benevolent plan of the 

 Creator, but rather be co-workers with Him, and turn all this 

 vile, decaying matter, first into such vegetation as we may 

 choose, and thence into such animal life as we may select. This 

 is man's legitimate province, and herein he exhibits his skill. 

 We have found the best mode of preserving the droppings of 

 our domestic fowls is to keep the floor or ground under their 

 roosts well littered with muck or earth of some sort. As both 

 the solid and liquid excrements are voided at once, this litter is 

 very essential for its proper retention ; and the quantity of the 

 manure is greatly increased without much diminution of its 

 quality. 



We might speak of the hog yard as a manufactory of manure 

 on a large scale, but we fear prolonging our subject too far ; and 

 so much has been said on the capacity of the pig for working 

 our manure, that a reformation has been effected in the manage- 

 ment of the piggery. The hogs of New England are no longer 

 the public scavengers, foraging at large, but are boarded at 

 home, and in pay for their board shovel over the compost heap, 

 furnishing their own tools. The barnyard and the barn cellar 

 have also received greater attention and improved management 

 of late years, so that there is little occasion for referring to these 

 sources of manure. No good farmer now allows his cattle in 

 winter to poach his fields in search of water and dry forage, but 

 they are fed, watered and made comfortable at the barn, so that 

 their droppings are not scattered from Dan to Beersheba, iind 

 half their food consumed in the search for it, and in keeiDing up 

 their animal heat. 



As the last neglected resource for manure, we desire to call 

 attention to tlie refuse of our manufacturing establishments. 

 Around most of these there is an accumulation of highly fertil- 



24 



