OF STRAW, ITS VALUE, AND USES. 41? 



This surely proves the immense importance, when we 

 carry dung to our fields, that it shall be of superior qua- 

 lity. It is a pity, that the dung of a fat bullock, eating 

 oil-cake, had not been tried at the same time ; and still 

 more so, the mere produce in dung, of a lean straw-fed 

 cow or ox, unmixed with that of horses and hogs. In 

 Mr Young's opinion, it would not probably have paid 

 more than 4s. or 5 s. per cubical yard. 



On this subject, it may be observed, that the real value 

 of the dung of animals depends partly upon their own na- 

 ture, but principally upon the food they eat. The dung 

 of pigs and poultry is certainly the richest, and that of 

 pigeons the hottest and quickest. In regard to the larger 

 animals, the dung of horses fed on oats and hay, is richer 

 than that of cows, maintained on inferior food ; whilst 

 the dung of a well-fed cow, is better than that of a horse, 

 fed on straw, or poor grass. 



We now come to discuss a point of still greater import- 

 ance. 



Mr Young observes, that it is impossible to raise manure 

 in sufficient quantities, (above all where soiling is prac- 

 tised), if straw be eaten. The best farmers in Norfolk, 

 consider it as essential, that all straw should be used as lit- 

 ter, and trodden into dung, by animals feeding on much 

 better food;* and an eminent Norfolk farmer, (MriVioney 



Mr Robertson of Lady kirk is of the same opinion. In respect to the 

 management of straw at a distance from towns and villages, he thinks 

 that every particle of it ought to be made into dung, and not eaten by 

 cattle. The better the meat given to live stock of all sorts, the more va 

 luable will be the dung. Lean stock, half starved on straw, make bad 

 manure, and little of it. Mr Brown remarks, that if a full supply of 

 green food be given to cattle, they will eat very little of the straw. If 

 soiled upon grass, they will not taste it. 



VOL. I. 9, B 



