378 VETEEINAEY HYGIENE 



prevents its most valuable portions being washed out. 

 The brown liquid which trickles from a manure pit is rich 

 in fertilizing matter. The floor of the pit should be so 

 arranged that this material runs into the liquid manure 

 tank, this is easily accomplished by sloping the sides 

 towards the centre and connecting up with a pipe. 



It is to be clearly understood that the arrangement of 

 manure pit here described is that for farm purposes 

 only. The pit employed in private stables is simply a 

 temporary resting-place for excreta, which should be 

 regularly emptied every week. 



The position of the liquid manure tank — which it will be 

 borne in mind is a cesspool — is one requiring the utmost 

 consideration. It must not be near the dairy or cow-shed, 

 it is equally obvious it must not be near the source of 

 water supply. It ought if possible to be outside the farm 

 premises, at a distance of not less than 30 yards from the 

 nearest building. To reduce labour in the conveyance of 

 excreta by hand to the manure pit, which is situated side 

 by side with the tank, a tram-line should run from the 

 stables and cow-sheds, and at the same time convey from 

 the farm all house and kitchen refuse, which is then 

 deposited on the manure heap and helps to improve the 

 quality of the mass. By means of the tram-line no 

 exception can be taken to this unavoidable insanitary con- 

 trivance being placed some little distance from the farm. 



A liquid manure tank should be a properly constructed 

 receptacle, the essential feature of which is that it must be 

 absolutely impermeable. Its size must depend upon the 

 number of animals kept ; a guide to this daily excretion 

 has previously been given, and the tank may be constructed 

 to hold a four months' output. 



Experience shows that from 6 to 7 feet should be the 

 maximum depth, and 6 to 8 feet is a suitable width, while 

 the length may be whatever is desired. 



Sometimes two tanks are built, in the first the solid 

 matter becomes deposited, while the liquid passes into the 

 second tank by an overflow pipe. 



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