62 MANUAL FOR SUGAR GROWERS. 



the remaining manure acting chiefly as a mechanical 

 agent and possessing but little fertilizing power. 

 When these pens are made in the fields, as frequent- 

 ly happens, it is advisable to lead the drainage from 

 the pens in such a manner that it may flow over the 

 land, and not find its way directly to the drains. A 

 little care in this direction will prevent a great deal 

 of waste which otherwise occurs. In the case of un- 

 covered pens, not in the fields, it is well to have a 

 catch-pit into which the drainage from the pen may 

 run. The contents of this may be distributed upon 

 the land at intervals. It is true that it is difficult to 

 prevent the catch-pit running over in wet weather, 

 so that this method only effects a partial saving at 

 best ; but still it is easily and cheaply carried out. 



Covered pens are to be recommended, as by this 

 means the manure is kept dry and free from drain- 

 age. It is no uncommon sight to see a cattle-pen 

 half covered, and yet no provision exist to prevent 

 the water running from the roof into the pen, when 

 a small outlay for spouting would prevent the loss 

 of much of the fertilizing portion of the manure- 

 heap. 



During the process of fermenting or rotting, the 

 vegetable matter becomes converted into humus, 

 and the nitrogenous portions into ammonia and 

 ultimately into nitrates. If the fermenting heap 

 become too hot above 150 F. there is consid- 

 erable loss of nitrogen, and the heap should be 

 watered with the fluid collected in the catch-pits. 

 If the amount of vegetable matter or litter in the 

 heap is too small not a common danger in the 



