MANURES 



99 



excels in this respect, while leaves and bracken are probably 

 the poorest. 



The composition of farm-yard manure is exceedingly 

 variable, and is always very complex. It usually contains 

 from two- thirds to three-quarters of its weight of water, 

 from 0*4 to 07 per cent, of total nitrogen, from 04 to 10 

 per cent, of potash, and from 0*3 to 0*4 percent, of phosphorus 

 pentoxide. Very little of the nitrogen is present as ammonium 

 compounds and mere traces as nitrates, the main quantity 

 existing as complex organic compounds. 



Various estimates of the amount of manure produced per 

 day by the animals of the farm have been made. According 

 to German authorities, the following are the figures : 



Animal. 



Horse 

 Cow. 

 Sh<iep 

 Pig - 



American estimates give as the manure per day per 1000 

 lb. live weight, the animals being fed liberally and littered 

 sufficiently : 



Horse 

 Cow 

 Sheep 

 Pig 



48-8 lb., valued at 3-8 pence. 



74-1 „ „ 4-0 „ 



34-1 „ „ 3-6 „ 



83*6 „ ,, 8 '3 „ 



Preservation of Farm-yard Manure.— The best means 



of using manure, whether fresh or rotted, and the best 

 methods of avoiding loss of valuable ingredients are matters 

 which have attracted much attention and given rise to much 

 discussion. The drainings from manure are very rich in 

 nitrogenous and potash compounds, and it is evident that 

 allowing them to run to waste is bad economy. They should 



