Tlw Application of the Mamire of the Farm. 
337 
The use of Dung upon Clay Soils. 
Summary. 
Time of Application. — In reviewing tlic remarks made upon the 
use of farmyard-manure on these soils, the general evidence indi- 
cates that great advantages result from the application of dung 
in the autumn and early winter months. So far as the arrange- 
ments of the farm permit, this appears to be desirable. On no 
condition should the dung which is to be ploughed under the 
soil be retained in the hpap during the winter months, simply 
for the sake of fermenting it before its application. The dung 
will undergo the necessary changes far more safely in the soil 
than in the heap ;. therefore when there is an available supply 
of dung, and the opportunity for its application to the land, it 
will be advisable to allow the soil to have it in its own custody 
with as little delay as possible. This will not justify us in 
restricting its use to the fall of the year, although it is un- 
doubtedly the best time. The spring demand will still continue 
for some crops as already pointed out, but a preference will, as 
far as possible, be given to the use of dung in the autumn and 
eai'ly winter months. 
Crops. — The fallows, fallow crops, and artificial grasses, take 
the precedence of other crops for receiving the dung which is to 
be applied to the land ; and, under the variations of soil and 
systems of husbandry already pointed out, each of these in its 
turn receives the preference. There are certain manifest advan- 
tages in using dung for these crops, because under good manage- 
ment they do not impoverish the farm, but rather act as accumu- 
lators of fertility. Although the application of dung for corn- 
crops answers exceedingly well in some districts, there is reason 
to believe that its use upon the preceding crop of clover will be 
attended with even better results. The use of dung for corn is 
(piite exceptional ; and it is probable that under improved 
management it will become even more uncommon than at the 
present time. 
The use of Dung upon Light Soils, such as Sands and 
Sandy Loams. 
Fodder- Crops. — There is a great diversity of practice in the 
use of dung for these crops, arising from the difficulties which 
attend its employment rather than from the want of a desire to 
have its assistance in promoting their growth. The use of farm- 
yard-manure very much favours the produce of these crops both 
in quantity and early maturity. The Trifolium (Trifolium in- 
carnatum) is the only apparent exception ; but this is more to be 
accounted for from the plant requiring a firm seed-bed than from 
