98 A TREATISE ON THE CONNECTION OF 



As the process of putrefaction advances, ammoniac or 

 volatile alkali, (a compound of inflammable and phlo- 

 gisticated air) is formed, an d, in its tendency to escape 

 from the heap, combines with such parts of the vegeta- 

 bles and matters of the dung, as had advanced to the 

 oxygenated state, forming therewith the saponaceous 

 saline matter so often adverted to in this Treatise. The 

 formation of this saponaceous matter, in the greatest 

 possible quantity, will be promoted by mixing and cover- 

 ing the dung with a due proportion of earth ; hence the 

 dung of hotbeds is that which is most completely rotted, 

 and most asimilated to the saline saponaceous state above 

 described ; and in this state is more capable of promot- 

 ing vegetation, than dung that had not arrived to an 

 equally advanced state of putrefaction. 



Many farmers differ in opinion as to the propriety or 

 the advantages which attend using long or fresh dung, 

 or dung which is completely rotted. This disputed point 

 seems capable of adjustment. Were the views of the 

 farmer to promote only the next immediate crop of grass 



or grain, the dung, when applied, should be fully and 

 completely rotted -, but if his views extend to subsequent 



crops, 



