32 . On Manures. 



1. Salt. The utility of salt as a manure, and for other 

 agricultural purposes, is a subject of such importance and 

 extent, that it requires a separate discussion, (See the Ad- 

 denda, No. 4). There are three particulars, however, con- 

 nected with the subject of salt as a manure, which it may be 

 proper here to mention. 



1. In a series of experiments tried by the Rev. Dr Cart- 

 wright, he found a mixture of salt and soot, in moderate 

 quantifies, as a top-dressing, preferable to any other sort of 

 manure ( a<55 ) ? a circumstance which might be attended with 

 considerable advantages to farmers in the vicinity of large 

 towns. 



2. It has been ascertained in America, and confirmed by 

 experiments in this country, that salt is an excellent ma- 

 nure for flax. The quantity of salt should be double that 

 of the seed used, and should be sown at the same time. It 

 is probable, that all oily seeds should be treated in the same 

 manner. 



3. But the most important circumstance, respecting the 

 beneficial effects of salt, when employed as a manure, is the 

 probability that it will prevent the rust in wheat. That 

 might justly be pronounced, the greatest agricultural dis- 

 covery of modern times, if it were found in all cases effec- 

 tual. 



2. Soot. This is an excellent manure, but it can only be 

 procured in large quantities, in the neighbourhood of great 

 towns. It contains substances highly favourable to vegeta- 

 tion; for the effects of soot, when spread upon the surface, 

 are discovered immediately after the first rain. It is likewise 

 of use, from the saline matter which it contains, in promoting 

 the destruction of slugs. When applied in its natural state, 

 as a top-dressing for clover, or young wheat, about twenty 

 bushels per acre is the usual quantity ; but it is frequently 

 mixed with other articles. The most approved composition 

 is, one part soot, five parts earth, and one part lime ( 266 ). 

 The earth and soot should be well mixed before the lime is 

 applied. It should remain in that state five or six weeks, 

 then be turned over again, and thoroughly incorporated, be- 

 fore it is sown on the ground (* 67 ). 



3. Refuse of Manufactures. Much excellent manure is 

 collected at various manufactories, where mineral acids are 

 not used. Soap-suds, lees and other impurities, which are 

 taken from the boilers, should be mixed with ashes, straw, 

 turf, peat, or any other substance that would absorb the 

 moisture. Thus, what tends to render the water of streams 



