MANURES. 



29 



plying potash. Chlorine and soda are found in many 

 plants, and are best supplied from refuse common salt, 

 which not only enters into the composition of plants, but 

 is otherwise beneficial as shown hereafter. Phosphate of 

 lime and potash are the additions most frequently needed 

 by soils. 



Let us now examine the constituents of common stable 

 manure, and note its value as a direct food for plants. It 

 contains, 



Carbon, 



Hydrogen, 

 Oxygen, 

 Nitrogen. 

 Carbonate of lime, 



Found in all plants. 



T r. 4 In most, 

 do. 01 soda. ) 



Muriate of potash, in cucumbers, garlic, &c. 



Chlorine of sodium, ) y , i . 

 ^ , - - ^ I In most plants. 

 (Sulphate of soda, ) 



do. of potash, in cucumbers, garlic, &c. 



Magnesia in grains of all kinds. 



Phosphate of lime, | Pot'^toes, Tines, onions, 

 ( peas, beans, grain. 



Oxide of Iron, \ 



Alumina, > In most plants. 

 Silica. ) 



Thus, the value of stable manure is readily seen, every 

 part of it has been formed of vegetable products, and is 

 ready when rendered soluble to enter into and minister 

 again to their growth. So of every other manure com- 

 posed of animal and vegetable remains, bones included. 

 It is not enough, however, that a substance contain the 

 essential components of the plant to which it is to be 

 applied. It must be in such a state, that the plants may 



