16$ EARM APPLIANCES. 



are spread over the surface. The lime and potash thus 

 made available, both from the waste material and the 

 earth covering, furnish considerable fertilizing matter. 



CONVERTING STRAW INTO MANURE. 



In the West the object is to feed one-third of the straw 

 stack, and convert the balance into manure as rapidly as 

 possible. The straw trampled under foot by the cattle 

 will not thoroughly rot within a year, if left to itself. To 

 rot and fine, it must be stirred about, and the swine can 

 be made to do this work. If the hogs are fed on the 

 straw twice a week, they will move the entire mass, unless 

 quite deep, rooting after stray grains. If their noses do 

 not get to the bottom of the heap, sharpen a heavy stake 

 and prod it through the straw ; then withdraw it and 

 drop shelled corn or oats into the hole. In this way a 

 hole can be made every few feet over the pile, and the 

 hogs will turn the manure thoroughly. A hog's snout is 

 a very cheap and effective manure hook. The hogs must 

 not be allowed to lie on the rotting straw, as this is al- 

 most sure to produce disease among them. They become 

 too warm, and then when they come into the open air 

 contract colds, catarrhal or pulmonary diseases. If the 

 hogs are used as above recommended, straw can be con- 

 verted into well rotted and fined manure within six 

 months ; and if the straw stack is put on level ground, 

 not much will be lost during this rapid conversion. 

 When from twelve to eighteen months are required for 

 the rotting of the manure and this time will be required 

 when deep masses are not disturbed and the straw is on 

 a side hill, not a little of the value of the manure is lost 

 by being washed down hill. 



