COMPOSTING. 183 



tion of water operates to diminish the heat already 

 generated, and consequently to retard the decompo- 

 sition. All the substances commonly used in com- 

 post heaps, contain a much larger amount of water 

 than is needed to aid decomposition ; it is the 

 oxygen of the atmosphere, not water, that is 

 most needed. The second disadvantage attend- 

 ing this pumping and sprinkling operation, is 

 the loss of the free ammonia contained in the 

 water, which escapes into the atmosphere. This 

 should not be assisted by agitating the water, 

 but should be prevented by the proper agencies. 

 We recommend the following mode of opera- 

 tion, which obviates all the disadvantages of the 

 former method, and which will recommend itself 

 by saving a great deal of labor in the subsequent 

 working : An elevated piece of ground, as near 

 to the materials as convenient, should be select- 

 ed the side of a gradual incline, if possible. 

 The intended compost heap should be from ten 

 to fifteen feet wide at the base, with both sides 

 regularly inclining toward the centre, like the 

 roof of a house; the heap to extend lengthwise, 

 as far as needed, up and down the incline. This 

 arrangement prevents any accumulation of water 

 around the heap, and also lessens the labor of 

 turning over, as the heap may be turned down- 

 hill. The next consideration is to prepare the 

 bottom, or the drainage. Of course none of the 



