192 
Value of Earth-Closet Manure. 
its cover, is taken out and replaced with another from the reserve 
pans. 
"There must be ten pans in reserve in each division. Pans 
will be kept ready at the earth shed, so that the Warder will 
only have to exchange used pans for fresh ones tha,t will form the 
reserve on the division. By this arrangement each division of 
the prison using earth-closets can empty and replenish, if neces- 
sary, ten closets daily. The time for attending to this duty 
should be before breakfast. 
" The Warder of each division may take five prisoners, when 
necessary, to the earth-shed to make the exchange of pans. These 
men will be selected for the purpose by the Governor or Deputy, 
and will wear a white star to denote that they may be so 
employed. 
"The principal Warders are held responsible that these in- 
structions are carried out. 
"Closets out of repair must be immediately replaced. One 
closet will be kept in reserve in each division. 
" Prisoners using anything besides paper, after being warned 
not to do so, must be reported for disobeying orders. 
" Each urine pot must have a properly fitting tin lid kept on it 
with a little water in the rim. 
"G. AkmYTAGE, Governor. 
" West Biding Prison, 28th August, lb68." 
In the course of the year from 55 to 60 tons of earth-manure 
are obtained, which is chiefly used on the prison grounds. In 
1870 about 12 tons were sold at 1/. per ton when the earth was 
once used, 2/. when twice used, and 31. thrice used. It has had 
remarkable success in growing onions, and has been used with 
advantage for potatoes, vegetables, and garden produce in general. 
Half a ton per acre of the earth used once in the closets has 
also been successfully applied to grass land, and 1 ton per acre 
produced 2 tons 3 cwt. of hay. 
In a second experiment I ton of the earth-manure (once used) 
produced 2 tons 2 cwt. of hay. 
In conclusion, Captain Armytage informs me that, un conse- 
quence of the introduction of the dry -earth-closet system into 
the prison, the atmosphere of the cells has been much improved, 
and, no doubt, been rendered more healthy. The earth-closets 
are in use in the prison hospitals and workrooms, containing 
fiom 20 to r>0 men. In the public closets in the workroom the 
earth is thrown upon the f<pces three times a day, and the contents 
are removed as required. 
Captain Armytage also sent me samples of the dry. and 
sifted earth, both before its use in the closets and after it had 
