On Bones as a Manure. 145 



them ; whereas with dung, particularly if it is only one year old, the 

 fly is generated, and in dry weather, the continued sunshine matures 

 them, and from want of rain or cool weather to thin them, they come 

 into action in great numbers, and destroy the young plant *. It has 

 also been remarked, that the disorder, called fingers and toes, has been 

 less prevalent since bone-dust has been in use. 



Turnips raised by bone-dust, are said to be superior in quality to 

 those produced by any other sort of manure. They also remain quite 

 green, when the same crop, laid down with other dressings, is entire- 

 ly destroyed. The roots also, are quite of a different quality, being 

 much firmer, and more nutritious, while the succeeding barley ripens 

 earlier, and is increased in quantity. The succeeding crop of clover 

 also, is said to be improved in the same proportion. 



In thin sandy soils, with a gravelly subsoil, if rape dust be used, it 

 is often washed away by rain, and in very hot and dry seasons, the 

 strength and virtues of dung are apt to be evaporated. But in all sea- 

 sons, and under all circumstances, bone manure is found to be pro- 

 ductive. 



Bone-dust as a manure may, with comparative ease, be applied to 

 lands at a great distance from the home-stead, or of difficult access ; 

 also in situations where the surface is broken by rocks, or so steep, 

 as to make it difficult to cover dung, (where it is used) in the drills. 



Turnips however, produced by bone manure, should be consumed 

 on the ground by sheep, to prepare it for the succeeding crop of corn, 

 as the effect of auch a small quantity, cannot be supposed to continue 

 through successive crops ; but if any part of the turnips be removed, 

 care should be taken, to clean them well when taken up, otherwise 

 the small particles of bones, which are found invariably adhering to 

 the roots, would be carried off the land f . 



It is an immense addition to all these advantages, that when this 

 extraneous manure can be made use of, the dung produced on the 

 farm, not being required for the turnips, can be advantageously ap- 

 plied to the other crops in cultivation. 



The following is a comparative statement of the expense of manur- 

 ing an acre of land with bone-dust, and with dung, allowing forty-five 

 imperial bushels of the former, and thirty tons of the latter, and sup- 

 posing the distance of the farm, from the place where the manure is 

 supplied, to be five miles. 



To 30 tons dung, at the low price of 5s. per ton, .710 

 Cartage, tolls, &c., for 30 carts, at 2s. 6d. per cart, 315 



.11 5 O 



To 45 imperial bushels of bone-dust and drill, ave- 

 rage price 2s. 8d. per bushel, - .6 O 

 Cartage, &c., one cart, - O 2 6 



Additional expense of an acre manured with dung, compared 



with one manured with bones, - - .5 2 6 



* Dojicaster Report, p. 9 and 10. f Hints from Mr Grey of Mill field. 



