The Application of the. Manure of the Farm. 
331 
rigidity, and consequently the mechanical influence which it is 
capable of exertirj^ upon the soil will be in the same proportion. 
'J^hus, when fresh dung is ploughed into a strong clay soil, it 
offers a certain amount of resistance to its particles again re- 
turning to their former close and adhesive condition ; whereas, 
if thoroughly rotten manure were used, it could offer no resist- 
ance, but the entire mass would again become compact. In the 
latter case, the soil is enriched, but no additional facility is 
given to the roots to obtain the supplies which are added for 
promoting the growth of the next crop ; in the former instance 
the fresh manure adds food for the crop and offers facilities for 
its use. 
We have other reasons which favour the application of dung 
to the fallows whilst the fermentation is in its earliest stage. In 
the fermentation of dung, we have important chemical changes 
taking place amongst the elements which enter into its compo- 
sition. The great object in fermenting manure is to bring waste 
matter from the animal body and certain products of vegetable 
life into such a condition that they can again be useful for the 
support of vegetation. This fermentation of the dung may be 
carried out in two ways : the one will materially diminish its 
fertilising powers ; but by the other plan the .change may be 
controlled so that the manurial properties may, in a great mea- 
sure be preserved, although some slight loss is inevitable. I 
have estimated, from the analyses given by Dr. Voelcker* as the 
results of an examination of farmyard-manure in its fresh and 
also in a well-rotted condition, that the ingredients in very 
superior manure, calculated at their market-value, are worth 
I5. per ton more when the dung is in a fresh condition than 
when it has become thoroughly decayed. This loss is experi- 
enced when the manure has been carefully fermented for 
experimental purposes ; but when the decomposition takes place 
under careless management — when, for instance, the drainage 
from the manure is not carefully preserved — the waste is far 
greater, so as materially to affect the finances of the farm. In 
the application of dung in the early stage of the fermentation, 
we have this change taking place in the soil under circum- 
stances which ensure us against loss ; for we know enough of 
the power of these retentive soils to be assured that what is 
entrusted to their custody will be safely retained for promoting 
vegetable growth. 
The best evidence as to the store of fertilizing matter obtain- 
able from the soil by tillage is the fact that some are disposed 
to rely exclusively on this supply for their successive crops. 
* Royal Agricultural Society's Journal, ■vol. xvii. 
VOL. XXI. 2 A 
