308 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL 



with three cords of peat, and shovelled over for about six 

 weeks, and than applied to the soil. 



Theory. The theory of the changes which are produced, 

 may be known from the elements which are brought together. 

 The salt is converted into soda and hydrochloric acid. When 

 the lime is brought into play, the acid combines with it and 

 forms a soluble salt ; the soda acts upon the peat, evolves its 

 ammonia as above, and becomes carbonated. Mutual decom- 

 position of the carbonate of soda and muriate of lime now 

 takes place, and carbonate of lime in minute portions is 

 formed throughout the mass, ready to act upon the silicates 

 and liberate their alkalies, and upon the geine, while the soda 

 and muriatic acid are so combined as to form salt again. 

 Composts of this description may be formed at an expense of 

 not more than $2,25 per cord, and are believed to be very 

 effectual manures. 



A compost may be formed which will prove effectual, if 

 the above does not. Add 61 lbs. of lime, and 61 lbs. of sal- 

 ammoniac to three cords of peat, and an article will be form- 

 ed, at an expense of less than $5,00 per cord, which will be 

 fully equal in value to common yard manure. 



2. Composts of peat with animal inatter. Peat and swamp 

 muck may be decomposed in a compost heap with refuse ani- 

 mal matter. '* The carcass of a dead horse," says Lord Mea- 

 dowbank, *' which is suffered to pollute the air with its effluvia, 

 has been happily employed in decomposing 20 tons of peat 

 earth, and transforming it into the most valuable manure." 



Urine, will also decompose it by the action of its ammonia, 

 and other salts ; hence, the importance of having peat and 

 swamp muck at hand, on to which the liquid excretions may 

 be poured. In some countries, as in Flanders and in China, 

 large tanks are provided into which the urine is conducted, 

 and then either applied in the liquid state, or mixed with 

 loam and peat earth. " Liquid manures," says Mr. Young, 

 *' are of the same value as the solid •, one ton of solid dung 



