USE OF ABSORBENTS. 273 



In this connection we will venture some wholesome advice in 

 relation to this subject. If practicable, every farmer should 

 have a large vault under his privy, the bottom and walls of 

 which should be cemented and made water-tight. Let the vault 

 be large enough to hold from one to two cords, according to cir- 

 cumstances, and extend back one way from the wall of the privy 

 so far at least that a man can stand therein and shovel with con- 

 venience to himself. Let a pile of peat be kept at hand, that a 

 little may be used often, by raising the trap-door or scuttle to 

 the vault, and closing the same after use. 



"We write of peat because we regard that article as among the 

 cheapest and best deodorizers and absorbents that can be 

 obtained for such a purpose. Where peat is not to be obtained 

 without great cost use any earthy substance which may be 

 procurable. Better use dry clean sand than nothing ; but 

 whatever may be used let there be as little water in it as is 

 practicable. The more free from water the substance used the 

 less will be required to absorb the liquids. If shelter from 

 storms cannot be provided for the material to be used, have it 

 thrown in after a few days of dry weather. 



Coal ashes may frequently be had in a dry state, and make a 

 very good absorbent. Vast quantities of coal are used in all 

 our cities or wherever fuel is purchased, used in furnaces in 

 cellars and the ashes sifted in the cellar or shed, and may be 

 preserved in barrels or boxes for winter use when other articles 

 may be difficult of access. While there may not be much in 

 the ashes alone to recommend them as a manure, they will 

 serve to retain the nutritive properties of night-soil. 



Wc would be particular in relation to using something with 

 which to cover up, and that quite frequently the contents of 

 our vaults, for two reasons : First, we know that great loss in 

 fertilizing properties is the legitimate result when this is 

 neglected \ and secondly because that masses of putrescent 

 matter in a state of fermentation fill the air with odors offensive 

 to the nostrils and deleterious to liealth, all of which can and 

 should be avoided. 



If a family of four persons can keep an acre in a productive 

 state, it follows that a family of eight souls could fertilize two 

 acres with the same facility. 

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