314 Q.UARTERLY J au R N A L, 



which by the powers of the alimentary canal, is converted intoj 

 nutriment for their bodies. On the other hand, plants require i 

 their food in quite an opposite condition — that is, in order to fit it 

 for their use, it must be decomposed and reduced almost to its 

 elementary state. In our former article, we partially dissented 

 from this opinion, and expressed the idea that they as well as ani- 

 mals, have the power of converting organic matter into nutri- 

 ment, after they have absorbed it. One thing is, however, be- 

 yond dispute — that all their nutriment which they receive by 

 their roots, must be in a fluid form, and all substances must be 

 reduced to a soluble state, before they are fit for absorption by 

 them. It will be the object of the farmer then to convert all his 

 manures into this state. But at the same time, let it be remem- 

 bered', that during the changes which take place in animal and ve- 

 getable matter, while passing into this condition, it is liable tc 

 experience a great waste, which is to be carefully guarded against 

 What this waste consists in, will readily appear upon referring 

 to the constitution of plants. During the process of fermenta 

 tion which takes place in most manure, those elements called or 

 ganic, enter into various combinations, which being very volatile 

 are borne into the air and mingle with it, to be distributed fa 

 and wide over the earth. Those parts which are fixed and nc 

 volatile, if in a soluble state, are liable to be washed out by th 

 rain falling upon them, and in these two ways alone, a manur 

 heap may speedily be converted into an almost useless masi 

 Again — if the fermentation goes on too rapidly, and without pre 

 per precaution, it will soon have gone through a process equivt 

 lent to, and in fact the same as combustion, and little else wi 

 remain except a heap of ash. 



We do not hesitate boldly to dissent from the theory, that ma 

 nures may be too much decomposed for beneficial application t 

 the soil. But let it be remembered that the decomposition mu! 

 be carefully conducted, and under such circumstances as to secui 

 against waste of any of the useful matter. We have long entei 

 tained this opinion, and are confirmed in it by experience. Tl 

 experiments of Mr. Campbell of Scotland, of soaking seeds i 

 solutions of salts, adds great weight to our position. The fu 

 growth and vigor of a plant is very much affected by the vig( 

 of germination, and the plentiful supply of nutriment, at an earl 



