MANURES. 17 



SECT. III. 



ON MANURES AND THEIR APPLICATION. 



MANURES are to be applied either as simples or 

 compounds ; but the latter method is certainly the 

 most eligible. For certain it is, that if they have 

 not undergone a proper fermentation, their effects 

 are, giving a rank and disagreeable flavour to fruits 

 and vegetables ; and if an immoderate quantity be 

 applied, of producing a considerable degree of un- 

 wholesomeness, and tainting the juices of all plants. 



A mixture of stable-dung, sea-weed, lime, and 

 vegetable mould, which has lain in a heap for 

 three or four months, and has been two or three 

 times turned during that period, will make an ex- 

 cellent manure for most kinds of garden-land. Also, 

 cow-dung, hog-dung, and sheep-dung, mixed with 

 soot, or with wood-ashes. Pigeon-dung and vege- 

 table mould, well mixed, will also make an excel- 

 lent manure for heavy land ; or even for lighter 

 soils, provided the pigeon-dung be used sparingly. 



Neats-dung and hog-dung, slightly fermented, 

 are very fit and rich manures for light, hot soils. 

 For those of a dry, absorbent nature, none answer 

 better, or last longer ; by reason that they retain 

 moisture for a greater length of time, and also fer- 

 ment more slowly than other dungs. 



Pigeon-dung, lime, soot, ashes, &c. should never 

 be applied as simples ; the quantity required being 

 comparatively small, and the regular distribution 

 of them difficult, without the admixture of other 



