39 



rare. They are also common in England. The muck from such 

 localities is generally rich ; but where they can be drained to a 

 sufficient depth, the marl or marly earth at the bottom affords a 

 better soil for cultivation than the muck does. Hence, ^Yhere 

 extensive deposits of this description occur in England, the object 

 is to get rid of the greater portion of the vegetable matter in the 

 cheapest and most expeditious manner. In some instances this 

 has been done by causing a stream of water to carry it away. 

 These shell marl-beds often form the most productive and perma- 

 nently fertile soils. The marl, too, frequently produces excellent 

 effects when spread on land. 



From what has already been said, it follows that the use of 

 muck as a fertilizer should depend upon its quality, which, as has 

 been shown, varies according to locaUties or the circumstance 

 under which it is formed. That which consists principally of the 

 leaves of hard wood trees (as previously described) is good ma- 

 nure in its crude state, though exposure to a winters frost may 

 improve it by pulverization, and making it more soluble by dissi- 

 pating any noxious acid it may contain. But that which is taken 

 from swamps, and especially from moss, generally requires more 

 preparation to make it good manure. It is commonly used as an 

 absorbent of urine and the liquids of the manure-heap. Simply 

 as an absorbent it is valuable. Its affinity for ammonia is said to 

 be greater than that of charcoal, which some chemists say Avill ab- 

 sorb ninety times its weight of ammoniacal gas. So far as muck 

 is wanted merely for this purpose, it may be that the difference in 

 its composition will not much affect its value ; but as it is to be 

 finally added to the soil, the ultimate result must of course depend 

 on its composition. 



There can be no doubt of the benefit of using muck In stables, 

 manure-cellars and yards to such an extent as may be necessary 

 to absorb the liquids and bring the mass of manure into a condi- 

 tion that will admit of its being readily carried to the field. In 

 connection with this, another object is effected, namely : the pres- 

 ervation of fertilizing gases, which are to a certain degree fixed or 

 retained by the muck. 



We know that the use of muck, even for the purpose just men- 

 tioned, is objected to by some farmers. They say the poorest 

 sand is better than any muck to mix with manure. Not having 

 witnessed any experiments in reference to the subject, I will not 

 venture to decide the question involved, though I cannot see how 

 pure silicious sand can be worth much for manure. Still, I have 

 so often heard the statement alluded to from respectable farmers, 

 that I regard the matter as deserving investigation. 



In comparing sand and muck, in regard to their value for mix- 

 ing with manure, much, doubtless, depends on the character of the 



