RULES AND SUGGESTIONS IN FARMING. 203 



draining, the admixture of earthy materials, and the alter- 

 nation of crops. 



26. Stable and fold-yard dung is most profitably applied 

 in an unfermented, or partially fermented state, and to 

 hoed and autumn-ripening crops. Fermentation dimin- 

 ishes the fertilizing properties of manure. If this ferment- 

 ation takes place in the soil, the gases, the volatile por- 

 tion which first escapes from the putrefying mass, are 

 retained in the mould, and serve to feed the crop. If 

 fermentation takes place in the yard, or upon the surface, 

 the gases are wasted, and the dung undergoes further 

 loss from the rains which ordinarily leach it. Long ma- 

 nure should be spread broadcast, and well buried by the 

 plough. 



27. Short manure, or that which has undergone fer- 

 mentation, is most beneficial when harrowed in, upon 

 arable lands, or spread upon the surface of grass grounds. 



28. Old meadows may be kept in a productive state, 

 in ordinary cases, by a triennial top-dressing with manure 

 or compost ; or may be renovated, and restored to a pro- 

 ductive state, by the modes recommended in the essay 

 which follows, Chapter XXI. 



29. Composts are economical, when made to absorb 

 fertilizing liquids which would otherwise be wasted — or 

 to decompose inert vegetable matter, as peat-earth, &c. 



30. Lime, gypsum, marl, and ashes are powerful aux- 

 iliaries, when applied to proper soils, or suitable crops. 

 Observation and experience w\\\ be the best guides in their 

 application. They should all be applied to the surface, 

 or but superficially covered. 



3L All vegetable and animal matters constitute the 

 food of plants, when they are rendered soluble, or capable 

 of being dissolved in the water of the soil. 



32. Bone-dust, horn-shavings, poudrette, woollen rags, 

 urine, and animal carbon, or burnt bones, are concentrated 

 manures, and should be used sparingly and with great 

 care, upon or near the surface of the soil. Pigeons' and 

 hens' dung partake much of the character of the prece- 

 ding, and require precaution in their use. We think the 

 best mode of applying the two first named, is to mix ashes 



