134 THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF 



dung should be conveyed to the land while 

 still fresh, and with as little loss of weight 

 as possible. We have seen that by keeping 

 it to decompose or rot a considerable portion 

 is lost, but in addition to this, loss occurs 

 from the use of rotten dung, owing to the fact 

 that the ammonia which it contains combines 

 xAth certain soil materials to form insoluble 

 compounds, which are but very slowly avail- 

 able for the use of plants. Where dung is 

 allowed to heat in bulk the temperature 

 should not be permitted to rise above 86° F., 

 and vvuth this object in view a dungheap 

 should be built with perpendicular sides, to 

 prevent loss by waste and drainage, and 

 should be under cover. It should stand above 

 a tank into which the liquid should be drained, 

 and which is provided with a pump, the 

 object being to pump up the liquid for 

 distribution on the solid manure from time 

 to time, not only for the purpose of keeping 

 the heap cool and thus preventing fermenta- 

 tion, but in order that with the removal of 

 the solid as much liquid may be taken with 

 it as it will absorb. 



The quantity of farm-yard manure of 

 average quality which is required to replace 

 the fertilising materials removed from the 



