AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. 61 



phate of lime, ashes, etc., in which earths and salts are almost 

 exclusively present ; and with these may be reckoned charcoal 

 (including coal-cinders or coke), though perhaps, chemically 

 considered, it does not class with them, its chief value being 

 supposed to consist in its capacity to absorb or " fix" ammonia. 



These, with those of the first class, are regarded as peculiar- 

 ly useful in the production of the seed or grain. 



Another classification sometimes adopted, which has some 

 special importance in garden culture, is that which rates ma- 

 nures according to their power of absorbing moisture. Those 

 which are highly absorbent, as the manure of hogs, oxen, cows, 

 etc., are called cooling ; and those which are less, or very slight- 

 ly so, as horse manure, are called heating. 'Of those classed 

 above as earthy or saline manures, gypsum and charcoal are 

 the most powerful absorbents, and these are also distinguished 

 by their capacity to fix ammonia. Perhaps we may conclude 

 that their power in the one case is a gauge or indicator of their 

 value in the other. 



MANURES SUITED TO VARIOUS SOILS. 



Manures, particularly for the garden, should be carefully 

 adapted to the soils they are intended to enrich. If the soil 

 be sandy and hot, especially if it be sand lying upon gravel, 

 the cold and moist manures above named are greatly to be pre- 

 ferred, and stable manure should be entirely decomposed, and 

 reduced almost to the state of vegetable mould before it is ap- 

 plied. The applications of manure to such soil should be fre- 

 quent rather than heavy ; and ash compost and liquid manure 

 applied to growing crops through the season will be found of 

 especial benefit. 



On loamy soils there is a wider range for choice. All kinds 

 of manure will be found suitable, their application being reg- 

 ulated by the necessities of the particular crop or season. 



On cold soils, as strong loam or clay, stable manure and city 

 street-manure should be almost exclusively used, wi% dress- 

 ings of ashes, guano, etc., and, if possible, the soil should be 

 mechanically improved by the frequent addition of sand or 

 road-wash. See page 18. 



