CHAPTER VI. 



MANURE. 



172. The true farmer, no less a sage than the ancient 

 orator, who gave to action, the first, second, and third place 

 in eloquence, will answer, if it is asked him, what is his first 

 requisite 1 Manure. What second 1 Manure. What 

 third 1 Manure. These answers are to be united. Action 

 and manure are the first and last requisites in agriculture; 

 and in the attempt to show what is the last, and how it acts, 

 will be offered every inducement to action. 



173. Manures are compounds of geine and salts. They 

 of course contain the whole elements of fertility. Having 

 discussed the nature and mode of action of salts, and of 

 geine, the way is prepared for the discussion of manures. 

 The proportion in which these elements exist in manures is 

 now to be examined. 



174. The immense variety of substances, used and recom- 

 mended for manures, would seem to render this subject both 

 extensive and complicated. It is capable of simplification. 

 Manures are generally considered and treated of, under the 

 division of animal and vegetable. This common and 

 ancient diyision, indicating little of the nature of manures, 

 actually confounds those, whose elements are essentially 

 alike. Manures are to be divided by their elements, into 

 three classes : — 



1st. Those consisting chiefly of geine. 



