36 
ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE* 
94. The manure-heap should be made on a spot convex 
nient to the stables and cow-sheds; and space should be 
prepared, in the form of a dish or saucer, of a size propor¬ 
tioned to the quantity of stock kept — so situated as to 
catch the drainage of the stables, and protected as much 
as possible from the access of rain-water. This basin 
should be made impervious to water, if possible, to pre¬ 
vent the loss by infiltration of the liquid manure. In the 
centre a short pump is often placed, to enable the farmer 
to get at any time a supply of the liquid, either for moisten¬ 
ing the manure-heap when too dry, or for spreading on 
his crops. 
95. The length of time that manure remains in the heap 
before decomposition takes place, depends upon the spe¬ 
cies of animal that produces it. That from hogs enters 
more slowly into fermentation than that of horned cattle. 
The manure from horses and sheep decomposes soonest. 
To avoid loss by evaporation, it is recommended to sprin¬ 
kle the heap two or three times a week with such sub¬ 
stances as plaster, to fix all the volatile principles. 
QUESTIONS. 
1. When should the manure be thrown out of the stable ? 
2. Is it as important to clean out the cow-shed every day as it is tp cleanse 
the horse-stable ? 
3. How is the manure to be managed 1 
4. How is the cattle-yard made ? 
5. Which of the manures decomposes most rapidly ? 
6. Which decomposes most slowly ? 
1. Why should plaster be sprinkled on the manure-heap? 
