16 Mil. NICUOLS' ADDRESS. 



added to the drainings in the cistern. We may form an approxi- 

 mative estimate, however, which will perhaps afford sufficiently 

 accurate guidance in this particular. 



A half pint of acid is fully sufficient for 100 lbs. of the urine of 

 a cow. Suppose then each one to produce this amount weekly, and 

 you have in your stalls twelve in number, you will be required to 

 add each week three quarts of acid. A less amount than this will 

 probably suffice, (as losses are considerable) unless the drainings 

 of the barn yard are mingled with the urine. Of course the con- 

 tents should be agitated by a proper wooden instrument thrust into 

 the opening of the cistern when the acid is added. 



I have dwelt somewhat at length upon the subject of the preser- 

 vation of drainings and liquid manures, because Chemistry teaches 

 me their superlative importance, and because I am convinced that 

 every farmer in Essex County can secure them if he will. How ab- 

 surd it is for you, gentlemen, to spend your money for guano, when 

 from the drainings of each one of your oxen or cows there may be 

 produced each year fully 5 cwt. of solid extract, which in fertilizing 

 power is fully equal to Peruvian guano. 



In addition to the large amount of ammonia contained in it, there 

 would be fully six per cent, of potash, one of the most important 

 fertihzers we possess. How much Chemistry may aid the farmer in 

 the formation of compost ! It teaches him that several objects are 

 to be accomplished in the furnishing and blending together the in- 

 gredients of the heap. It informs him what is necessary to produce 

 that series of complex decompositions and recompositions which ul- 

 timate in the production of the most eminent plant-fertilizers. 

 No sensible enlightened farmers will fail to form from year to year 

 his heap of compost. When properly arranged it is to him a mine 

 of wealth ; when formed in a hap-hazard, unskilful manner, it is 

 oftentimes a partial or a complete failure. The cold, sour humus 

 of swamp lands is sometimes brought from a distance and thrown 

 into heaps, and with the addition, perhaps, of a portion of spoilt 

 hay, or decayed leaves or fruits, is called compost, and applied to 

 the soil. Of course it fails almost entirely of beneficial results. — 

 The formation of such compost is like a mixture made by adding 

 together water, snow and ice. It is easy to see that no very ex- 

 tensive combination of different ingredients is effected by such man- 



