50 A PRACTICAL TREATISE 



surface to the dung underneath, and the other to the next 

 uppermost. In this manner the heap is raised to the height 

 of 5 or G feet, when it is entirely covered witli eartJi, but 

 formed narrow, as well as high, in order to expose a large 

 surface to the air. Sometimes lime is added, but, in that case, 

 it !>hould be either placed between two layers of earth ; or, if 

 between the sods, the grass should be reversed, and the lime 

 be deposited between tliem, or between the earth and another 

 layer of any other ingredient not so easily decomposed as the 

 dung. The heap then ferments, and in that state it is left 

 until it be completely cooled to the centre. When the/heat 

 has ejitirely subsided, the compost is to be then turned in such 

 manner as that not only the uppermost part sliall be under- 

 neath, but also that the outward portion be put in the middle, 

 and that the whole be intimately mixed. If any part of the 

 dung be dry, it should be well and equally wetted, — if possible 

 with urine, or with the drainings of tlie farm-yard, — as each 

 layer is removed, and previous to their mixture. The number 

 of turnings must depend upon the state of putrefaction of the 

 dung, as well as tliat of the turf, if sods or other materials 

 have been added. The proportion of dung, orotiier putrescible 

 siibsr'tance, to earth, must be governed by the qualities of both, 

 and by the judgment of the farmer in their selection and use. 

 The following — which has been adopted in Norfolk — will 

 afford a general idea of the mixture of such a compost, when 

 confined to mould and farm-yard dung : — 



Mould for the bottom . . . .160 loads. 

 Dung from the bullnck-yard and stables, 



a load of each alternately ... . 112 loads. 



Mould for the next layer . . 42 



Dung for ditto .48 



Mouid for the top and sides . . 42 



Total 244 + ICO = 404 loads ; 



wliich, afler being turned twice over, produced 300 loads of 

 manure, and was intended for 20 acres. 



Another jtractice prevails among many farmers, which, so 

 far as the production of manure is concerned, has the advan- 

 tage of allowing the compost to imbibe the whole of the urine 

 in the yard, but which is also attended with the inconvenience 

 f)f bedding the cattle in a manner which, without great care 

 in its frequent removal, must expose them to much want of ♦ 

 comfort. It is as follows : — 



Turf,orany other species of earth, is spread over the yard to the 

 depth of upwards of 2 feet, except around the buildings, to the 



