170 ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOIL. 



Emily. In which state do you consider it most advan- 

 tageous to bury manure in the soil : when the fermenta- 

 tion is only partially, or when it is completely effected ? 



Caroline. I should suppose in the former state, in or- 

 der to prevent the loss by evaporation. When the fer- 

 mentation goes on in the soil, the elastic as well as the 

 liquid and solid parts are retained ; then the act of fer- 

 mentation raises the temperature. 



Mrs. B. One state is better for some species of crops, 

 and the opposite for others. The only disadvantage at- 

 tached to long manure is, that it requires a greater length 

 of time to convert it into nourishment for plants. 



Short manure is a meal already cooked, and ready for 

 the crop to feed on ; if, therefore, the crop requires very 

 prompt sustenance, the former must be used ; if not, the 

 latter is in every respect preferable : it is particularly 

 adapted to stiff soils, the straw, previous to its decompo- 

 sition, rendering it lighter. 



Emily. It is evident that it must, be advantageous to 

 bury either descriptions of manure as soon as it is spread 

 on the soil, to prevent loss by evaporation ; but how deep 

 should it be laid in the soil ? 



Mrs. B. That depends upon the nature of the culture ; 

 for the manure should be as much as possible within reach 

 of the roots. For this purpose, it should not be buried 

 quite so deep as the extremity of the roots; for, in pro- 

 portion as it is dissolved and liquefied, it will naturally 

 descend. Due allowance must be made for this ; for, if 

 any part subside below the roots of the plants, it is utter- 

 ly lost, at least for that crop. 



Emily. It is then, I suppose, better to manure the land 

 in the spring than in autumn, lest the winter-rains should 

 dissolve it too much, and endanger its sinking below the 

 roots of the crop. 



Mrs. B. That is the prevailing opinion of agricultu- 

 rists. With regard to the quantity of manure, it is a com- 

 modity so scarce, that it is not likely to be employed in 

 excess. This occurs, however, sometimes in garden cul- 

 ture, and it produces a strong and disagreeable flavor in 



937. Is it best to bury manure in the soil, when fermentation is com- 

 pleted, or when only partially effected! 938. What is said of the 

 depth at which manure should be buried! 939. Why is it thought 

 better to manure land in spring than autumn'? 940. What is the con 

 sequence if manure is used in too great quantities 1 



