230 On tvell-rotted Dung, Stercorariesy t^c 



more valuable manure, when rotted, than corn stalks. 

 The mode he takes in earthmg over, and using the 

 raw materials, appears to be perfect. His covermg the 

 muck, by deep ploughing, as fast as it is hauled out, 

 seems highly proper for his system. But seeds deep- 

 ly buried, are not always destroyed. They will of- 

 ten vegetate on the first exposure. Aware of the 

 necessity of meeting the fermentation of his muck, 

 with a powerful plant ; his Indian corn crop stands the 

 brunt of the battle. It is the only plant I know, {pota- 

 toes excepted, if they be not caught by a long drought) 

 fit to encounter the assaults of fermenting muck. It 

 will thrive among lime, the first season of spreading ; 

 when wheat would perish. Wheat (I fear sown among 

 the corn) is his second line, of less able bodied troops. 

 The fermentation is nearly over, and the conflict less 

 dangerous, when this crop takes the field. He seems 

 conscious, that the force must be previously weakened. 

 So far do we differ in nomenclature, that he considers 

 what I deem a foe, to be a friend and ally. And so it 

 certainly is, after due subordination is established, and 

 all hostile propensity subdued. 



Whatever difference of opinion I may entertain on 

 this particular subject, I cheerfully recommend a pe- 

 rusal of the agricultural principles and observations in 

 this collection ; as being well worthy of the attention 

 of all farmers in every district of our country. Other 

 subjects therein discussed, I enter not into. 



It will be seen, that I always conceived, some pro- 

 cess of fermentation and putrefaction necessary to dis- 

 engage the gases supposed to be the food of plants. 

 Sec also 2d vol. Plaster of Paris, 94, 99. But an 



