10-2 MANURES. 



set free must be avoided, while the mass is kept in 

 such condition as to admit of the perfect decomposi- 

 tion of the manure. 



Solid manures in their fresh state are of but very lit- 

 tle use to plants. It is only as they are decomposed, 

 and have their nitrogen turned into ammonia, and 

 their other ingredients prepared to be taken up again 

 by plants, that they are of much value as fertilizers, 

 although there are of course certain advantages 

 resulting from their fermentation in the ground, 

 while there is no better way to avoid loss than by 

 plowing fresh manure directly into the soil. We have 

 seen that, if decomposition takes place without 

 proper precautions being taken, the most valuable 

 parts of the manure would be lost. Nor is it advisa- 

 ble, when an immediate effect is wanted, to keep 

 manures from decomposing until they are applied to 

 the soil, for then they are not immediately ready for 

 use, and time is lost. By composting, we aim to 

 pave everything while we prepare the manures for 

 immediate use. 



SHELTER. 



The first consideration in preparing for compost- 

 ing is to provide proper shelter. This may be done 

 either by means of a shed or by arranging a cellar 

 under the stables, or in any other manner that may 

 be dictated by circumstances. It is no doubt better 

 to have the manure shed enclosed so as to make it an 

 effectual protection ; this, however, is not absolutely 

 necessary if the roof project far enough over the 



