174 A PRACTICAL TREATISE 



the dust slightly with mould before the seed is deposited. For 

 wheat, that precaution is not necessary, for the same danger 

 is not to be apprehended from fermentation. 



The crops to which it is the most generally applied are 

 turnips and wheat; but, when used for the former, it is pre- 

 carious in its effects, from requiring moisture either in the 

 soil, or from the weather, to render it operative, for it will 

 remains inactive until aided by the natural coldness of the 

 land or by rain. For the same reason it is seldom used for 

 barley when any other manure can be obtained, because, if 

 sown late in the spring, the weather is then usually dry, and 

 if the season continue hot, the manure will not be of the least 

 advantage to that crop: though, as its powers will not be ex- 

 hausted, it is probable that it may benefit that which follows; 

 that, however, we need not observe, is not the immediate 

 object of the farmer. 



The quantity usually employed varies among different 

 farmers, some applying a ton to three acres, others four, and 

 many to six, according to the condition of the land, and the 

 goodness of the cake. At the former rate, it is said to have 

 been found equal to 12 loads of dung per acre, and that with 

 5 cwt. per acre its effects extend to two crops; but that is 

 more generally limited to the crop to which it is applied, and 

 does not benefit the subsequent ones. Mr. Curwen used 5 

 cwt. per acre, mixed with two tons of dung, as a manure for 

 turnips, and found the crop admirable. Fitly bushels of dust 

 make a ton; and the last price at Mark-lane was five guineas. 



The soils to which it is the most applicable are considered 

 to be clays, and other moist lands ; but it is generally thought 

 to be occasionally serviceable to any description of soil. It is 

 likewise said to succeed well in wet seasons, but is found 

 injurious in very dry weather. 



Malt-dust is the refuse which falls from the malt in the 

 process of drying, and is extensively used as a top-dressing, in 

 those counties where the general production of barley occasions 

 the establishment of large malting concerns. It is also in some 

 places employed in the feeding of milch cows and pigs. It 

 varies, however, very considerably in its effects as manure, 

 both in proportion to the quality of the barley, and to the de- 

 gree of heat employed in the operation of malting; for when 

 the grain is equally good, the pale malt, which undergoes a 

 regular and uniform heat in the kiln, though considered more 

 lasting in its effects, is not so stimulant as that which is high- 



