The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-10-25
Tho Muck Mines of the Farm.

No farmer need seek for richer placer,
who has muck mine upon his premises
lie has triple advantage in the work of en-
riching his land, over those who have not
been thus favored. For muck is not only
fertilizer Of itself, but il possesses the power
Of enhancing the value Of other manure
the process Of fermentation by which they
suffer some lose, giving, in admixture with
muck. greater value to three or four times
the material which could otherwise be
secured. AS an illustrative proof. wo might
quote the statement Of the late Elias Phin-
ney, Of Massachusetts,, who by the mixture
OF twice the amount OF dry muck with the
manure from his stables, secured fertilizer
which he assured the editor Of tho n. Z.
Farmer was Of higher value than the drop
pings alone, load for load. Ills operations
says the Farmer, "were extensive, and con-
Quoted in systematic manner, and the con-
clusions to which he arrived in relation to
them, have been abundantly sustained by
other experimentalists, and by careful analy-
sis of scientific men," According to Prof.
5. W. johnson, "theeScretion ofany animal
mixed with muck is rendered more valuable,
FROM the fact that the muck abs)rbs and
saves the ammonia" volatile gas which
would otherwise DO dissipated to consider
able extent by fermentation, The valve Of
the muck compost is'greater also, rrom being
better proportional to the wants Of plants.
Still manure alone, If properly taken care Of,
is too rich, for according to the same author
ity, "plants oyer-stimulated with ammonia,
produced much foliage and few seeds"
Our present purpose, however, is to offer
few hints on working the mines," or So
curing a supply Of muck for future use
The best deposits are usually to full Of water
for diging in fIll or winter. and can only be
drawn upon during the dry weather Of mid
summer. Tho same season, the time between
the early and later harvest, usually presents
some leisure lor the work. Besides, when
comparatively dry, there is less weight to
move, and the material is in better state
for use. Ii will lie more lightly In heaps,
and thus gain greater exposure TO the air
while seasoning" When muck is dug out
and piled on dry land, the air and rains
gradually disslpate the acid most specimens
contain, and which must be dispellcd or
neutnlized before it is available for use as
an ab-orbant Of the liquids Of the stables
use Of much importance in increasing the
stock Of manure. Muck readily becoming
friable under tbs action Of the elements, is a
valuable FERTILIZER for loamy and sandy soil.
alone. Ifit contains mach acid, this should
be neutralrcd by fermentatiOn-most readily
brought about by mixing with animal drop
ping, as spoken Of above.
Speaking OF the quantity OF muck which
may be used in a season, the Homestead re-
marks that il bears some proportion to the
number Of animals kept upon the arm, and
puts !, at from fifteen to twenty-five load.
for each COW, or horse, and ten loads "a
each yearling swine. At least half load 70
every sheep, we think, may be spread owe,
their yards, which should be kept litteret
with straw while occupied in winter. Earl,
Ia spring let the whole be drawn gu, (mixin,
the strawy and mucky portions togethe
wiile handling,) and placcd in heap, anC
1, will prove very valuable for the fall wheat
for, indeed, any crop on the farm. A few
loads should bs placed where the wash ant
slOps of the house can be poured over them
II win soon become valuable manure, an,
should be drawn away and replaced with
: new supply.
When the muck beds are distant from th,
barn and the material is wanted for app,ica
ton to lands near by, there is no need o
carting the muck to the barn and back a,
large expense. Get Ou, the muck now. an,
heap |, on the fields where needed. whe,
: the stock como to the stables in the fall .dra,
J the manure at once to these fields. and a
long as allowed by the frost, mix the tw
together. one load Of manure to two of muck
: and it will only require one turning, an