310 IMPROVEMENT OF THE SOIL 



decomposition. The heap, in the course of six weeks or two 

 months, may be shovelled over and more peat added, if it 

 is still in a state of^ fermentation. Some recommend the ap- 

 plication of lime at the time of shovelling it over, in order to 

 liberate the ammonia. It should then be carried directly 

 upon the field. 



The changes which take place are similar to those in fer- 

 menting dung-heaps. The result is the same, soluble and in- 

 soluble geine and salts. Lord Meadowbank, who first called 

 attention to this subject, states " that in every diversity of 

 soil, it has given returns, in nowise inferior to the best barn- 

 yard dung, applied in the same quantity, and that it is equal, 

 if not preferable, in its effects for the first three years, and 

 decidedly superior afterward." 



The testimony of several New England farmers who have 

 tried this compost, is that *' three parts of peat with one of sta- 

 ble manure, make a compost which is equal in value to its 

 bulk of clear stable-dung, and is more permanent in its ef- 

 fects." 



It may be applied to any soil, either in the hill, or spread 

 broad-cast and turned in ; or it may be used as a top-dressing 

 upon grass lands. In the absence of peat and swamp muck, 

 composts may be formed with loam, straw, leaves, or any 

 vegetable matter, which will absorb the gaseous and liquid 

 products. 



The quantity of peat and swamp muck in the eastern part 

 of Massachusetts, is sufficient to render all her barren hills as 

 fertile as the prairies of the West. The only difficulty there 

 is in the case, is to persuade farmers to prepare it, and apply 

 it to their soils. 



Methods of applying manures. It has been a question of 

 frequent discussion, whether manures should be applied to 

 land in the green, or rotted state. The best answer to this 

 question is, that they should not be applied in either state ; but 

 should always be made into composts, and applied after fer- 



