76 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 



the decay of all. When stable manure is thrown down 

 and left uncovered, a dense steam will be seen to rise 

 from it ; and this is the very essence of it escaping to be 

 lost ; and if it be thrown down in a heap dty, it will im- 

 mediately burn — that is, dry rot. Its enriching ingredi- 

 ents all pass off by evaporation, and there is nothing left 

 but its ashes, so to speak. 



When the heat has accumulated for four or five 

 months, as described, the whole should be turned over, 

 completely mixed, and piled up in a compact, firmly 

 trodden mass, when it will undergo further decomposition, 

 and, in a short time, become like paste. Adjoining every 

 manure heap there should be an excavation, to receive its 

 liquid drainage, in order that it may be saved, and either 

 applied, in the growing season, in a hquid state, diluted 

 with water, or be thrown over the heap. 



" S|)ecial manures " have been much talked of lately. 

 By the word " special," is meant a particular quantity, 

 of a particular mixture, for certain species, and even for 

 certain varieties of fruits. Nearly all the suggestions on 

 the subject are speculative, and unreliable. The subject 

 is an important one, but \ye want direct and careful ex- 

 periments. It is only when we know to a certainty what 

 material certain trees need most of, and in what degree it 

 abounds, or is wanting in our soil, that we can apply it 

 safely. The experience of farmers and gardeners, grain 

 and fruit growers, all over the world, affords undoubted 

 evidence of the enriching qualities of stable manure. On 

 all soils, and for all sorts of crops, it is an unfailing and 

 powerful fertilizer ; and we make it the base of all our 

 manure and compost heaps. By mixing with it the in- 

 gredients we have mentioned, we hasten its decay, save 

 its parts from waste, and, at the same time, combine with 

 it otlier substances that will not only enrich, but improve 

 the texture of soils, and increase tlie supply of the mineral 

 substances required by plants. Dr. Daubney, a distin- 



