SELF-MAINTAINING FERTILITY 221 



cannot get that much, use all you can and make 

 up the difference in future care. 



Fresh manure is hot — that is why we use it 

 in hotbeds in place of steam pipes. It is also the 

 reason why we want only well rotted manure for 

 use (as a food only), with growing crops. 



Mix it thoroughly with the soil, so that the 

 plant roots will have to spread out to reach it. In 

 this way, a better root system and a greater feed- 

 ing surface are developed. This prevents also, 

 any possible burning of tender root-hairs through 

 contact with a mass of rich dressing. 



Spread manure on the garden any time, in fall, 

 winter, or early spring. Then plow it under, 

 either in the fall, or as early as possible in the spring, 

 and cultivate thoroughly. Even if the first crop 

 you raise doesn't get all the benefit it might, the 

 food remains there in the soil for the use of future 

 crops. 



SAVING MANURE = SAVING MONEY 



Just be careful, first, that the good of the manure 

 is not washed out of it, down the drain; and secondly, 

 that it does not burn and become white. This 

 burning or oxidizing, is just what occurs in the 

 soil except that there it goes on far more slowly, 

 and the products remain in the soil, whereas, 

 in the exposed manure heap, the heating is rapid 

 and the resulting ammonia is lost into the air. 



To prevent these occurrences, cover the manure 

 pit; and turn the pile with a fork, now and then, 

 or let hogs work it over, or moisten it occasion- 



