IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL. 



293 



dependence, and a self-sufficiency and promptitude in 

 every emergency, which those who have been accus- 

 tomed to stand for fame on their forefathers' feet, or to 

 lean for all pleasure upon another's breast, never have 



known, and never can know." 



[From the Farmers' Companion.] 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL BY ANIMAL AND VEGE- 

 TABLE MANURES, 



The great sources of fertility to the farm are the 

 refuse of the crops which they bear, modified by the 

 farm stock, and preserved and judiciously applied by 

 the husbandman. There is not a vegetable matter 

 grown upon the farm, be it considered ever so useless 

 or noxious, but will, after it has served ordinary useful 

 purposes, impart fertility to the soil, and contribute to 

 the growth of a new generation of plants, if it is judi- 

 ciously husbanded and applied. There is not an ani- 

 mal substance, be it solid, liquid, or gaseous, be it bone, 

 horn, urine, hair, wool, or flesh, or the gases which are 

 generated by the decomposition of these matters, but, 

 with like care and skill, may be converted into new 

 vegetable and afterwards into new animal matters. 

 To economize and apply all these fertilizing materials 

 is the province and the duty of the husbandman. To 

 aid him in this useful labor, is the object of this essay. 

 And, — 



1. Of the Cattle-yard. This should be located 

 on the south side of and adjoining the barn. Sheds, 

 substantial walls, or close board fences, should be 

 erected at least on the east and west sides, to shelter 

 the cattle from cold winds and storms ; the size and 

 the divisions to be adapted to the stock which it is in- 

 tended to feed. Excavate the centre, or some other 

 part of the yard, placing the earth removed upon the 



