178 A PRACTICAL TREATISE 



inches deep, and extending further than the base of tho pro- 

 posed midden, which is to be thrown up in alternate layers — 

 first, ten inches of dung over the peat, then peat six inches, 

 dung- four inches — thus diminishing each layer of dung until 

 the heap rises to a height not exceeding between three and 

 four feet, when the whole should be covered — lop, ends, and 

 sides — with the remains of the peat; the whole to be put 

 loosely together, and made quite smooth. 



In mild weather, 7 cart-loads of common farm-yard dung, 

 tolerably fresh made, is sufficient for 21 cart-loads of peat- 

 moss; but in cold weather, a larger proportion of dung is 

 desirable. The dung to be used should either have been 

 recently made, or kept fresh by the compression of cattle or 

 carts passing over it; and as some sorts of dung, even when 

 fresh, are much more advanced in decomposition than others, 

 it is necessary to attend to this, for a much less proportion 

 of dung that is less advanced will serve the purpose. 



After the compost is made up, it gets into a general heat, 

 sooner or later, according to the weather and the condition of 

 the dung: in summer, in ten days, or sooner; in winter, not 

 perhaps for so many weeks, if the cold is severe. It always, 

 however, has been found to come on at last; and in summer it 

 sometimes rises so high as to be mischievous by becoming fire- 

 fanged. Sticks should therefore be kept thrust into different 

 parts, as by drawing them out occasionally the progress of the 

 fermentation may be ascertained ; and if so rapid as to approach 

 to blood-heat, it should be either watered or turned over, and 

 a little moss be added. The heat subsides after a time, and 

 with variety proportioned to the season and the perfection of 

 the compost; but when cooled, it may be allowed to remain 

 untouched till within about three weeks of being wanted: it 

 should be then turned over, upside down, and outside in, and 

 all the lumps broken; after which, it comes into a second heat, 

 but soon cools, and may be taken out for use. In this state the 

 whole appears a black mass, like garden mould, and, it is said, 

 may be used weight for weight, like farm-yard manure, with 

 which it will fully stand a comparison throughout a course of 

 cropping.* Sixteen single-horse cart-loads per acre are, indeed, 



* To every 28 cart-loads of compost, when made up, it is also recommended 

 to add one cart-load of ashes ; or, if these cannot be had, half the quantity 

 of tiiiely powdered slaked lime may be used; but these additions are not 

 essential to the general success of the compost, though they will tend to 

 quicken the process. 



