ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE. 
85 
in pure dung is too great for some soils, but it renders the 
hauling and spreading of the manure much easier. 
89. Those vegetable substances most generally used as 
litter are st v aw, leaves, weeds, etc. But straw is usually 
preferred, as it is a better absorbent of the liquids, and is 
more readily decomposed. 
90. The value of manure diminishes m proportion to 
the quantity of litter employed after we reach a certain 
point; but still it is best to use it with a liberal hand. 
91. Urine is the most valuable portion of manure, and 
should always be saved with the utmost care. It should 
never be applied in a pure state, as its great activity would 
be hurtful to vegetation. 
QUESTIONS. 
1. Why is litter of importance to the farmer 1 
2. What vegetable substances are usually employed as litter ? 
3. Why is straw preferred ? 
4. Does the quantity of litter add to the value of manure ? 
5. Is the urine of value ? 
6. Shuuld liquid manures be used in a pure state ? 
LESSON XIV. 
MANAGEMENT OF MANURE. 
92. The manure should be drawn from under the cattle 
every day. This certainly should be done with horses; 
as to fattening cattle, some feeders pretend that they 
fatten more kindly when surrounded with a warm atmo» 
sphere, filled with vapor. A warm atmosphere is no doubt 
good, but it should be pure. 
93. It is not usual fo haul manure immediately from the 
stable to the field; in the meantime, the care that is taken 
of it, or its management, has great influence on its quan 
tity and value. 
8 
