ON LIQUID MANURE. 



59 



that the stimulus given to the soil caused fresh spongioles to spring out from 

 around those destroyed, in the short space of a day or two. By these means the 

 feeders of the plants were increased at every successive watering. It ought 

 however to be stated that he found its beneficial effects were not universal ; and 

 that if he had used it indiscriminately it would have been certain destruction 

 to some tribes of plants, particularly those with fine fibrous roots, such as the 

 Epacridese, Ericaceae, and Rhodoracese ; and, according to the experiments 

 then tried, it would also have had a similar effect on all plants potted in peat. 



Cow urine, as a manure, is the most powerful of all the manures we are at 

 present acquainted with, and should be used with the greatest caution ; for if 

 diluted with four parts of water, we have seen much injury arise even by water- 

 ing with it the Brassica tribe. But notwithstanding the great caution requisite 

 when used for watering plants, it may nevertheless be used with great advantage 

 in agriculture and horticulture, by being spread over the soil before or after 

 digging or ploughing, and, of course, before the ground is either sown or planted. 



We consider the beneficial effects of liquid manure to be comparatively but 

 little known, although it is without doubt one of the most valuable articles in 

 husbandry. We would, therefore, again invite the attention of practical persons 

 to the subject, being fully convinced that those who have it in their power to 

 prosecute the inquiry, might benefit the community in the manner we have before 

 stated. It might be right to mention the tribe of plants on which it has been 

 used, whether in horticulture, agriculture, or floriculture ; and we do not doubt, 

 if such experiments were persevered in, that millions of gallons that are now run- 

 ning to waste would be used with immense advantage, and by which the whole 

 community would be benefited. 



