263 



for backwardness in the growth of trees, and which, although 

 I cannot recommend it with the same confidence as the 

 above Panacean Compound (if I may so call it), is yet 

 deserving of the reader's notice. It consits of the juice or 

 moisture proceeding from the dunghill, which, being col- 

 lected in a well or pit, is pumped up into the water-cart : and 

 it is frequently used for decomposing-peat, or manuring 

 grass-grounds in the spring. When intended for trees, 

 damp weather, or immediately after rain, is the time for 

 applying it, on account of the quantity of ammonia in dif- 

 ferent forms, and the various salts which it contains. It is 

 poured on, in the same slow and gradual way as directed 

 for the water, but in not more than half the quantity at 

 a time. 



As this liquid may be considered as the extract of the 

 most useful vegetable and animal manures, virith a strong 

 infusion of urine in a putrid state, so it has probably in its 

 composition too much animal matter, to form a proper nour- 

 ishment, by absorption, for the roots of woody plants. All 

 urine, contains the essential elements of vegetables in a 

 state of solution. During putrefaction, a great part of the 

 soluble animal matter is destroyed ; therefore, it is proper 

 always to use it in as fresh a state as possible ; or otherwise, 

 to dilute it copiously with water, to which a moist state of 

 the ground, or the water which falls into the pit, as above, 

 will contribute. When managed, however, in the most 

 careful manner, this liquid rather disappointed me in its 

 effects on trees, and I should far rather prefer the excellent 

 compound already described.* 



In regard to backwardness in trees, as the subject is not 

 only curious in itself, but of great moment to the general 

 planter, as well as to him who removes larger trees, perhaps 

 a few remarks, on the causes in which it oiiginates, may 



* Note III. 



