228 On Manures. 



to its use, but an idea, that the grain which it produces is of a 

 smaller size, or of inferior quality. 



It is of such importance to the farmers, to have ready ac- 

 cess to sea-weeds, that lands in East Lothian, formerly 

 let at from 105. to 15s. per acre, are now rented at from 

 L. 2, I Os. to 3 guineas per acre, and upwards, in consequence 

 of having a command of that manure. 



2. Fresh-water Weeds. These substances are frequently 

 found in lakes, ponds, and rivers ; and being replete with 

 vegetable nutriment, merit the particular attention of those 

 who have such useful articles at their command. They may 

 be carried into the farm-yard to increase the heap ; or made 

 into a compost with earth ; or ploughed into the ground for 

 barley ; or used in drills for turnips ; or reduced into a nu- 

 tritive mass, by a mixture with hot lime. In Flanders, 

 fresh-water weeds are accounted the best possible manure for 

 potatoes, as so large a proportion of that root consists of 

 liquid matter ; and on the same ground, sea-weeds must be 

 of use in the culture of that plant. 



3. Common Weeds. It has been found, that an excellent 

 compost can be prepared, by collecting all sorts of weeds, as 

 thistles, docks, nettles, fern, &c. before they have formed 

 seed, and instead of burning them, laying them up, in alter- 

 nate layers of rich earth, so that they may be subjected to the 

 putrefactive process. A great heat is soon raised, and by 

 turning the heap over next spring, the whole will be resol- 

 ved into a soft pulpy mass, the effects of which on the soil, 

 are in no degree inferior to dung. Thus a great nuisance 

 may be converted into a valuable manure ( z5 *). Where 

 lime is abundant, it should be mixed in its caustic state, with 

 green or succulent weeds ; and as the moisture which they 

 contain will slake the lime, a considerable degree of heat 

 will be created, by which the weeds will be speedily redu- 

 ced (* 53 ). When the weeds are in a dry and withered state, 

 they are not so easily formed into a putrescent mass. 



4. Malt Dust In some districts, this substance is employ- 

 ed, as a valuable article for feeding milch cows, or pigs ; in 

 others, it is used as a manure, and found to be highly fertiliz- 

 ing. From 40 to 60 bushels are applied to an acre, either 

 for wheat or barley. It likewise greatly improves cold grass- 

 land (* 5 ). 



5. Rape-Cake. This species of manure, has long been 

 used in various parts of England, particularly in Yorkshire 

 and Norfolk; and its copious use, has been one of the most 

 efficient means by which, under the auspices of Mr Coke, 



