DIFFERENT METHODS OF APPLICATION. 41 



applying the manure to the field, and before ploughing 

 it in, two methods of procedure may be pursued. 

 First, the manure may be set out in heaps, larger or 

 smaller, over the field, and be allowed to remain in 

 these heaps some time before being spread ; and 

 secondly, it may be directly spread broadcast over 

 the field, and thus allowed to lie for some time. 

 Lastly, the manure may be ploughed in immediately ; 

 and it may be stated that such a method is, where 

 circumstances permit, the safest and most economical 

 method. 



In discussing the merits and demerits of these two 

 methods, Dr Heiden points out, first, with regard to 

 the distribution of the manure in small heaps over the 

 field, that this is not to be recommended on the fol- 

 lowing grounds : 



1. Because the chances of loss by volatilisation are 

 thereby increased. The manure is distributed several 

 times instead of only once or twice. 



2. It is apt to ensure unequal distribution. The 

 separate heaps run the risk of losing their soluble 

 nitrogenous matter, which soaks into the ground 

 beneath the heaps. The other portions of the field 

 not covered by the manure -heaps are thus manured 

 with washed-out farmyard manure, bereft of its most 

 valuable constituents. The result is, that while certain 

 portions of the field are too strongly manured, other 

 portions are too weakly manured. 



3. The proper fermentation of the manure is apt to 



