334 
The Applicatiou of the Manure of the Farm. 
into action fertilising^ matter which would otherwise remain in 
the land in a dormant condition. This is equivalent to an addi- 
tion of manure ; for the materials of the soil whic;h are thus ren- 
dered useful were previously existing in a condition unfit for 
the support of vegetation. The application of the dung before 
winter co-operates very powerfully in promoting this action, and 
we are at the same time adopting the surest plan for enabling the 
soil to absorb from the atmosphere some of the ammonia which is 
present there. So that not only do we thus preserve our manure 
from waste, but we enable the soil to develop and obtain further 
supplies of fertility ; nor must we overlook the increased effi- 
ciency of the dung consequent upon its more complete distribu- 
tion throughout the soil and the superior feeding qualities of 
the crop. 
Potatoes. — The disease which has for so many years attacked 
this crop renders it necessary that the use of farmyard-manure 
be accompanied by some degree of caution. It has been observed 
that fermenting manures — such as dung — have a tendency to 
communicate decay to the plant. We have, therefore, two 
courses open to prevent the crop being thus injured : — 1st, to 
substitute an artificial manure possessing a preservative cha- 
racter, or, at least, devoid of any unfavourable influence ; or 
2ndly, if farmyard-dung be employed, to counteract, as far as 
possible, its disposition to communicate decay. The latter point 
will be best attained by having the manure spread upon the 
land in the autumn and ploughed in before winter. In pre- 
paring the land for planting in the spring tlie manure will be 
well distributed through the soil ; and thus, whilst the land is 
enriched by the dung, its natural tendency to promote decay will 
be diminished. 
Cahhacje. — In the growth of this crop the use of farmyard- 
manure is generally desirable, but circumstances render it ad- 
visable to apply the manure at the same time as the young plants 
are set out upon the land. Well-rotted dung is generally pre- 
ferred, because the plant comes into full activity very soon after 
it is planted out. T he cabbage is a gross feeder, and can 
scarcely have too much manure when the production of large 
autumn cabbage is desired ; but if the crop is retjuired for spring 
use it must not be forced with equal freedom. As in the case 
of swedes and turnips, so here also the slowei--grown plant is the 
one which best withstands the severity of the winter-frosts and 
affords the best food in the spring. This must not lead us to 
deprive the cabbage intended for spring use of its usual supply, 
but rather to take measures for its distribution throughout the 
soil. In this way the keeping qualities of cabbage may be very 
materially increased. 
