AND AGRICULTURE. 63 



Thus you see ammonia is a very important 

 article in the composition of manures ; for the 

 growth of the plant demands nitrogen, which it 

 must obtain from the soil. 



Ammonia exists in the largest quantity in the 

 urine of animals, especially in that of the cow ; 

 and it is hence of importance that it should be 

 preserved, as far as possible. The more liquid 

 portions of all manures should also be saved, 

 instead of being allowed to run to waste, or to 

 soak into the ground of the farm-yard. 



Every farmer should have a cemented tank, 

 or a large wooden vat or cistern, in some con- 

 venient spot in the farm-yard, into which these 

 liquid manures may collect : and they should be 

 frequently pumped or bailed back upon the 

 heaps of manure or compost, thereby aiding 

 their fermentation, and making them more effi- 

 cient as fertilizers. A run should connect the 

 dung-heap or compost-bed with the tank, so that 

 the soluble portions of the manure carried off by 

 rains may be again collected. 



Questions. Why is ammonia important in manures? 

 Where is the largest quantity of ammonia found ? Ought 

 these fluids to be saved ? How can the farmer save them ? 

 Of what use are they thrown on manure-heaps? 



