On burning Clay for Manure, 299 



settled states, I have no doubt the experiment will be 

 made, of applying the ashes as manure. 



The following mode of burning clay with cord wood, 

 was published by Mr. James Riley, of Elizabethtown, 

 New Jersey, last autumn ; who says, that Mr. Merriott, 

 near Hudson, New York, has proved the great utility of 

 the ashes as a manure. 



" On a spot of clay ground, take half a cord of good 

 dry wood, cut it of different lengths, from two to four 

 feet, and pile it up in the manner of setting wood in a 

 coal pit, with kindlers in the centre, then dig or cut up 

 the sods around it, and cover over the pile of wood one 

 thickness : next make a channel from the centre of the 

 wood to the outward edge of the circle intended to be oc- 

 cupied by the body of clay. This channel must be form- 

 ed of sods or turf, and a foot in height by a foot in breadth, 

 in form of an arch — it is for the purpose of setting fire to 

 the pile, and keeping up a current of air to the centre. 



Thus prepared, dig up the clay round about, and throw 

 it on the pile, covering the whole with an equal thick- 

 ness, two, four, six, eight, ten, or more feet, and set the 

 wood on fire, keeping the channel open to admit air ; the 

 mass becomes heated in a short time, and the whole body 

 of clay burns until it decomposes and is reduced to ashes; 

 the longer it burns, the greater the heat, and the quantity 

 may be increased at pleasure, without any additional fuel. 

 Care must be taken night and day, that the fire does not 

 break forth, and some sods or clay should be kept con- 

 stantly ready to prevent the heat from escaping, until a 

 sufficient quantity is obtained. As long as it is fed it will 

 never cease burning. When enough is burned, let it 

 alone, and the fire will break out and soon extinguish. 



