FERTILIZERS 23 



rapidly if left in a dry pile, and soon burns away its 

 fertilizing value. It will also burn seeds if placed 

 in the row with them and, unless it is well rotted, 

 should be used in general only to dig or plow into 

 the soil in the fall. 



Manure from the sheep and pig are both rich in 

 fertilizing values, and should be used under the ad- 

 vice of gardeners near at hand. Neither of these 

 fertilizers will be generally available, Except near 

 large cities or in regions where these animals are 

 kept. 



Poultry Droppings. — A most valuable fertilizer 

 available to many gardeners is provided by poultry 

 droppings. This manure needs to be handled with 

 some care, as it is too strong in nitrogen to be used 

 freely with plants which do not require much nitro- 

 gen, such as beans and peas. It is, however, almost 

 perfect for those plants wanted early in the spring 

 for their tops, such as rhubarb, asparagus, and 

 lettuce. As a lawn dressing it is unequalled, and 

 may be scattered about on the sod at any time 

 with safety. 



Poultry droppings are so common in all districts 

 and so valuable as a fertilizer, that some study of 

 their qualities is well worth while. Being very rich 

 in- nitrogen and one-sided in this respect, it is best 

 to add the potash which they lack and make them 

 irito a complete mamjxe. " For this purpose we may 

 iise-kainit, -which is a- crude form of potash, well 



