302 IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL 



should permit it to run to waste, but should so prepare his 

 cattle-yard by loam or swamp-muck, and by plaster, as to 

 save these invaluable products of his stables, and of his own 

 dwelling. 



As the urine is generally mixed with the solid excrements 

 in the barn-cellar or cattle-yard, it increases the value of this 

 manure, it promotes its decay, and adds its own salts ; but 

 if the whole is exposed to the influence of atmospheric agents, 

 it facilitates their action, and aids in depreciating its value; 

 hence, it is generally wholly lost to the farm. Farmers ought 

 generally to know this, and to be apprized of the fact, that 

 one half at least of their manure is wasted. The prepara- 

 tion of liquid manures will be further noticed under com- 

 posts. 



Sect. 3. Manures composed mostly of Geine. 



The refuse of the stables and of the farmer's dwelling, are 

 the general sources of manure. But there are certain artifi- 

 cial preparations, which are equally efficacious, and which 

 most farmers may employ to increase the fertility of their 

 soils. 



These sources are decaying vegetable matters, formed in 

 various ways, into composts. The vegetable substances em- 

 ployed for these purposes, originate from two classes of plants, 

 sea-weeds and land plants; and the manures which they 

 form, differ in several important particulars, but agree in 

 yielding all the elements of fertility. 



In order to exhibit the facts and principles, connected with 

 this species of manures in a practical light, it will be neces- 

 sary to examine the composition of the substances employed 



grass is still worse. Distiller's grains are said to be better than either 

 of these. Doubtless, the liquids of fattening kine is richer in ammo- 

 nia during this period, for it contains a partof the nitrogen not carried 

 away in the milk." — Dana. 



i 



