316 QUARTERLY JOURNAL. 



there. Thus a compost is formed, which by the addition daily ol 

 new materials, is partially excluded from the air, and by the treacfei 

 ing of cattle is so condensed, that the decomposition which ensuel 

 is slow and gradual, and equal through the whole mass. Thi 

 gases which would otherwise escape, are arrested by the peat, m 

 earth, which was added, and the salts are taken up by the wata 

 which passes through, and carried with all other soluble substaa 

 ces to the tank. From this the liquid should be frequently pump 

 out, and distributed over the contents of the yard. To this sami 

 tank the liquids from the stables should be led, to be used in thi 

 same way. Under such treatment, the whole mass will be speedi 

 ly reduced to a fine and powerful manure, and the smell of am^ 

 monia, so often discovered about the dung-heap will be entirely 

 wanting, and the presence of that substance will not be indicate* 

 in the adjacent atmosphere by the most powerful tests. The ua 

 of charcoal, gypsum, and other salts, has been often recommend 

 for the purpose of arresting the ammonia generated in manun 

 heaps. If conducted as recommended above, they may be dii 

 pensed with for this purpose, although they would be valua 

 additions to the manure. In fact,]all substances which are capab] 

 of furnishing food for vegetables should be gathered into this pi 

 as the storehouse of the farmer's hopes. 



The formation of compost heaps, we regard as still better thi 

 the above. In this case the management for the foundation 

 the heaps should be the same as that recommended for the yan 

 and also for the preservation of the liquids, both from the manui 

 and from the stable^;. Every fresh addition to the heap should h 

 spread on evenly, and not thrown upon it carelessly, for the 

 ject is to promote an equal and uniform decomposition. To sec 

 this also, and to prevent a rise of temperature, and consequent!; 

 too rapid fermentation, the heaps should be made quite soli 

 This may be effected by the feet of the workmen who construct ii 

 by rolling, or by driving the teams over it as the fresh portio; 

 of manure are added. As the heap increases in height, whi 

 should never be more than three or four feet, every few inches 

 layer of peat or earth may be made, which will be found high!; 

 useful in absorbing the gases which may be found, and thus the 

 substances will be converted into manure as good as the rest. Th( 

 liquid from the tank should be frequently distributed over t 



