182 AMERICAN MANURES. 



the waste substances accessible to the farmer, 

 and which can be economically applied as ma- 

 nures. He has also been informed of the neces- 

 sity of having these substances in a decomposed 

 state, in order to make them efficient. 



To be successful in composting, it is necessary 

 for the farmer to have correct ideas of the chem- 

 ical changes and effects to be produced, and of 

 the means and appliances by which these changes 

 can be economically effected ; he should also 

 know the conditions that promote or impede 

 these changes. In the proper management of a 

 compost heap, two leading points are to be at- 

 tained ; First, the hastening of the decomposition 

 of the substances used ; Second, the fixing of the 

 fertilizing gases as they are formed. No offensive 

 odors should escape. When such escape, some 

 substance should be applied at once to check it. 



Some persons have recommended making the 

 heap in a circular conical shape, with a well in 

 the centre to catch the drainage, and with a 

 common w r ooden pump set in it, so that as the 

 drainage collects, it can be pumped up and al- 

 lowed to trickle over the top of the heap, and 

 thoroughly permeate it. There are two vital 

 disadvantages attending this method, which we 

 will point out : First, the amount of heat produced 

 is a correct index of the rapidity with which the 

 decomposition is being effected; and any applica- 



