106 MANURES. 



air is driven out ; and, as the water subsides, fresh 

 air enters and takes its place. The fresh air con- 

 tains oxygen, which assists in the decomposition of 

 the manure. 



In short, the watering does all the work of fork- 

 ing over by hand much better and much more cheaply. 



At the end of a month or more, this compost will 

 be ready for use. The layers in the manure will 

 have disappeared, the whole mass having become of 

 a uniform character, highly fertilizing, and ready to 

 be immediately used by plants. 



It may be applied to the soil, either as a top-dress- 

 ing, or otherwise, without fear of loss, as the muck 

 will retain all of the gases which would otherwise 

 evaporate. 



The cost and trouble of the foregoing system of 

 composting are trifling compared with its advantages. 

 The quantity of the manure is much increased, and 

 its quality improved. The health of the animals is 

 secured by the retention of those gases, which, when 

 allowed to escape, render impure the air that they 

 have to breathe. 



The cleanliness of the stable and yard is much im- 

 proved, as the effete matters, which would otherwise 

 litter them, are carefully removed to the compost. 



'The system of composting described above is the 

 most complete that has yet been suggested for mak- 

 ing use of solid manures. Many other methods may 

 be adopted when circumstances will not admit of 

 so much attention. It is a common and excellent 

 practice to throw prepared muck into the cellar under 



