On burning Clay for Manure. 303 



" The advantage derived from ashes appears to be by- 

 absorption of the atmosphere. The necessity of having 

 them fine, (admitting the principle correct,) is indispen- 

 sable for their producing the full effect. 



u Some of the kilns I saw employed in burning clay, 

 were worked with small coal. I recommend the break- 

 ing down the walls, in order to moderate the heat, as well 

 as a means of expediting the work. 



" I have just completed paring, with the skim-coulter 

 plough, twenty- six acres of clover lea of the second crop, 

 which I intended next year for turnips. The sods were 

 well broken with the harrows, which freed them of the 

 greatest part of the mould. The residue was burnt, and 

 has afforded me above a thousand single-horse carts of 

 ashes. 



" There are twelve mounds, with seventy- two Win- 

 chester bushels each. One fire would have burnt the 

 whole. This was not deemed expedient, as the increas- 

 ed cost of cartage would far have exceeded the expense 

 of the additional lime. 



" I think it may fairly be supposed, that the lime adds 

 full its worth to the quality of the ashes. Where lime- 

 stone can be had, I should advise the burning a small 

 quantity in the mounds, which would be a great improve- 

 ment to the ashes, and at the same time help to keep the 

 fire in. 



" I have manufactured for use this season, two thou- 

 sand carts of ashes (single) and have raised from them 

 fifty acres of turnips (Swedish,) with sixty carts of ashes, 

 fully equal to what had a hundred of good dung. Twen- 

 ty-one acres with thirty carts very good. I expect they 

 will reach thirty tons per acre. Some with forty on clay, 



