128 On the Application of Manure in a liquid Form. 



Manure can, therefore, probably be most beneficially given 

 in a purely liquid state ; and the quantity, which trees grow- 

 ing in pots have thus taken, under my care, without any inju- 

 ry, and with the greatest good effect, has so much exceeded 

 every expectation I had formed, that I am induced to com- 

 municate to the Society the particulars, and the result of my 

 experience. 



I have for some years appropriated a forcing-house, at 

 Downton, to the purposes of experiment solely, upon fruit 

 trees; which as I have frequent occasion to change the 

 subjects upon which I have to operate, are confined in pots. 

 These were at first supplied with water, in which about one- 

 tenth, by measure, of the dung of pigeons, or domestic 

 poultry, had been infused ; and the quantity of these sub- 

 stances (generally the latter,) was increased from one-tenth to 

 a fourth. The water, after standing forty-eight hours, acquired 

 a colour considerably deeper than that of porter ; and in this 

 state it was drawn off clear, and employed to feed trees of the 

 Vine, the Mulberry, the Peach, and other plants. A second 

 quantity of water was then applied, and afterwards used in 

 the same manner ; when the manure was changed, and the 

 same process repeated. 



The Vine and Mulberry tree, being very gross feeders, were 

 not likely to be soon injured by this treatment ; but I ex- 

 pected the Peach tree, which is often greatly injured by 

 excess of manure in a solid state, to give early indications 

 of being over-fed. Contrary, however, to my expectations, 

 the Peach tree maintained, at the end of two years, the most 

 healthy and luxuriant appearance imaginable, and produced 

 fruit in the last season in greater perfection than I had ever 



