MANURES. 139 



a time it seems to have the effect of increasing 

 fertility. One peck of salt in each cord of compost 

 will not only hasten the decomposition of the ma- 

 mires, but will kill seeds and all grubs a very desira- 

 ble effect. While small quantities of salt in a com- 

 post heap are beneficial, too much (as when applied 

 to the soil) is positively injurious, as it arrests de- 

 composition, fairly pickles the manures, and prevents 

 them from rotting. 



For asparagus, which is a marine plant, salt is an 

 excellent manure, and may be applied in almost un- 

 limited quantities, while the plants are growing if 

 used after they have gone to top, it is injurious. 

 Salt has been applied to asparagus beds in such 

 quantities as to completely cover them, and with 

 apparent benefit to the plants. Of course large doses 

 of salt kill all weeds, and thus save labor, and avoid 

 the injury to the asparagus buds which would result 

 from their removal bv hoeing. Salt may be used 



/ o / 



advantageously in any of the foregoing manners, but 

 should always be applied with care. For ordinary 

 farm purposes, it is undoubtedly most profitable to 

 use the salt with lime, and make it perform the 

 double duty of assisting in the decomposition of 

 vegetable matter, and fertilizing the soil. 



Soda unites with the silica in the soil, and forms 

 the valuable silicate of soda. 



Nitrate of soda, or cubical nitre, which is found in 

 South America, is composed of soda and nitric acid. 

 It furnishes both soda and nitrogen to plants, and is 

 an excellent manure. 



