AGRICULTURE AND DENDROLOGY. 
13 
great. After three weeks there had been lost from 100 
parts of the total nitrogen applied, in winter only 5.98, in 
spring 6.32, and in summer (according to a calculation) 
about 7.5 parts. As under ordinary practical conditions 
the time of fermentation is still shorter and the concentra¬ 
tion much smaller, the losses should not amount to more 
than 3-4 °/ 0 , a quantity so small, that no admixtures for the 
purpose of preventing the escape of ammonia, such as gyp¬ 
sum, humus, etc., are necessary. In fact, Japanese farmers 
do not resort at all to substances of that kind, but they may 
be recommended to apply them in all cases in which a long 
storing is intended, especially in summer,when as our results 
indicate, the high temperature of the air favours the evapo¬ 
ration of the ammonia. Besides this, a lid well fitted on 
the fermenting tubs to prevent the circulation of the air, 
may also render good service. 
It appears, moreover, from our researches that during 
the cold or moderately warm part of the year the losses of 
nitrogen gradually diminish as the storing is continued. 
There escaped by evaporation per week from 100 parts of 
the nitrogen of the original night-soil : 
First Trial (Winter). 
Within the 1st. week. 
„ ., 2nd. & 3rd. weeks. 
2.58 parts, 
1.70 „ 
Second Trial (Spring). 
Within the 1st. & 2nd. weeks . 
„ „ 3rd. week . 
„ „ 4th. & 5th. weeks. 
„ „ 6th. & 7th. „ . 
„ „ 7th. to 11th. „ . 
2.32 parts, 
1.69 „ 
2.13 „ 
1.68 „ 
1.55 „ 
Fermentation and putrefaction are usually associated 
with the production of heat, and as these processes are most 
vigorous in the first stages of storage, when fermentable 
