V MANURES 81 



tages which I conceive to belong to manure in a liquid 

 state. (1.) In the first place, it is plain that the 

 roots of a Bose cannot take up anything except 

 fluids : consequently, only those parts of solid 

 manure which are soluble can be of any use as food, 

 and therefore liquid manure can supply everything 

 that solids can. (2.) Secondly, the problem is by 

 this means solved of how to get fresh food to the 

 roots without disturbing them. (3.) And lastly, the 

 food can be given just when it is wanted, and with- 

 held when it is not wanted. 



1. As to the first of these points, let the beginner 

 not only remember himself, but also diligently im- 

 press upon his assistant, that Eoses drink but cannot 

 eat. The ordinary labourer will not believe in the 

 strength or virtue of a clear fluid — from perhaps a 

 hazy comparison with his own beer, he distrusts any- 

 thing that is not thick ; and he will be careful to 

 apply the dregs of the liquid manure cart or cask, 

 "because that's where all the good is." It should 

 be pointed out to him that what cannot be dissolved 

 in water cannot be assimilated by the Rose, and he 

 should be told not to put on the dregs, which may 

 sometimes do harm. Of course time, chemical 

 changes, and the power of the earth bacteria may 

 and do eventually dissolve materials which remain 

 solid in ordinary water ; but liquid manure is as a 

 rule for present immediate use, and therein lies one 

 of its great advantages. 



2. By liquid manure we can reach all the roots at 

 once without disturbing them at the actual time of 

 their most vigorous growth ; and we can supply the 

 Bose with what it wants, soil thoroughly stored 

 with food ready cooked as it were for immediate 



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