RKP0RT3. 25 



as a top dressing, and experienced the same results. In 1851, I ap- 

 plied to one acre about forty loads of compost with nothing but plas- 

 ter, to as good purpose as heretofore, for the growing of corn. Also 

 thirty loads to another acre of corn, and procured about the same as 

 when twenty loads of manure were used, side by side. In all cases 

 where this compost has been used, not only has it produced good 

 crops, but it has much improved the land, so that it is now in a good 

 state of cultivation. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



SAMUEL POWERS. 

 Hadley, Oct. 20, 1851. 



STATEMENT OF DAVID RICE. 



To the Committee on Compost Manures: 



Gentleman : — I beg leave to present to you, the following state- 

 ments, in regard to a Compost Manure that I have used and tested 

 for several years. It recommends itself by several considerations 

 which I will state in the end. I state in the outset, that the two 

 great objects to be looked after in making manures, are cheapness 

 and strength. A strong fertilizing manure, that costs hut little, is 

 what farmers most desire. The experiments that I have made, have 

 not been on a large scale, but large enough for the deduction of facts, 

 which I wish to state to the Committee. 



Immediately after planting in the Spring, and after I have used 

 what manure I want, I commence my compost heap for the next sea- 

 son. Into a convenient place which with me is a hollow in the angle 

 of a bank wall, on the south end of my buildings, I deposit first a 

 load of horse manure. Over this I usually spread the scrapings of 

 my wood yard and cellar, especially in INIay, and all other refuse sub- 

 stances that will make manure, that I find about my buildings, such 

 as the Takings of the yard and old leaves &c., making in all another 

 small load. Over this I add a load of loam then over the whole I 

 spread about a bushel of ashes. For the next three or four weeks 

 this heap receives from the washroom, all the soap-suds, and washing 

 water, and from the house all the useless slops, and washings of the 

 kitchen, sweepings &c., being kept continually moist. In about four 

 weeks after the first deposit, I add another load of horse manure, more 

 loam and sand from the washings of road drains spread over the 

 horse manure, and over all, a layer of wood ashes, occasionally ad- 

 ding more during the next four weeks. This heap for the succeed- 

 4 



