74 TALKS ON MANURBS. 



phosphates in mauure than is generally supposed. Of the total 

 phosphoric acid in the fresh manure, 43 per cent is in a soluble 

 condition ; and in the rotted manure, 40 per cent is soluble. 



This is an important fact, and one which is generally over- 

 looked. It enhances the value of farm-yard or stable manure, as 

 compared with artificial manures. But of this we may have more 

 to say when we come to that part of the subject. I want to make 

 one remark. I think there can be little doubt that the proportion 

 of solul)le phosphates is greater in rich manure, made from grain- 

 fed animals, than in poor manure made principally from straw. 

 In other words, of 100 lbs. of total phosphoric acid, more of it 

 would be in a soluble condition in the rich than in the poor ma- 

 nure. 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

 HOW THE DEACON MAKES MANURE. 



" I think," said the Deacon, " you are talking too much about 

 the science of manure making. Science is all well enough, but 

 practice is better." 



" That depends," said I, "on the practice. Suppose you tell 

 us how you manage your manure." 



" Well," said the Deacon, " I do not know much about plant- 

 food, and nitrogen, and phosphoric acid, but I think manure is a 

 good thing, and the more you have of it the better. I do not be- 

 lieve in your practice of spreading manure on the land and letting 

 it lie exposed to the sun and winds. I want to draw it out in the 

 spring and plow it under for corn. I think this long, coarse 

 manure loosens the soil and makes it light, and warm, and porous. 

 And then my plan saves labor. More than half of my manuie is 

 handled but once. It is made in tlie yard and sheds, and lies there 

 until it is drawn to the field in the spring. The manure from the 

 cow and horse stables, and from the pig-pens, is thrown into the 

 yard, and nothing is done to it except to level it down occasionally. 

 In proportion to the stock kept, I think I make twice as much 

 manure as you do." 



" Yes," said I, " twice as much in bulk, but one load of my 

 manure is worth four loads of your long, coarse manure, composed 



