Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1868-10-22
farmers Dfputnallt.
The various Kinds of Manure.

y0e various Aluuo VA
Opinions vary much as to the yal'
ne Of different kinds of animal eAGre
ment. when used as manure. Inc
duug of swine is probably the most
powerful. The dung of sheep IS
Generally of two kinds. That which
forms the upper stratum OF our
sbsensolds is commonly dry and
brittle, possessing little cohesion;
while that below is more uncteus
and of different consistence-solid
and rather moist This results from
it being decomposed. In any cendi
ton it is not suitable for elevated
lands which are dry; but on low,
meist, or rather wet lands, it is prop
erly regarded as the best ameliorant
that can be applied. When sheep
dung is kept in close heap and ra-
ther moist, it decomposes rapidly;
but when not compacted, with
chance for its moisture to escape,
the process of decomposition is more
tardy. When applied to the soil or
voided over the surface by the ami
mails, it decomposes more rapidly
than almost any ether animal excre-
ment, and produces more speedy and
energetic effects. A too large appli-
cation often, from its great energy,
proves injurious to the crop, and
pushes vegetation with an unhealthy
rapidity, and should therefore be
used in less quantities, both as re-
CARDS weight and volume, than any
other manure. From the excrement
ofsheep, both solid and liquid, there
is eliminated large quantity of am
monia. This gas is not without its
value to the farmer, but of this, we
are not now prepared to speak. In
preparing sheep dung for agricultur-
al purposes, it is well to mix it with
a liberal quantity Of some dry mate
rial which will absorb the volatile
products of decomposition and be-
come good manure. For this pur-
pose, coed loan, muck, refuse hay,
straw, and other similar substances,
are valuable. But, whatever mate
rial is made use of for this purpose,
it will be necessary to pitch the mass
over frequently, and the more care,
fully this is done the more valuable
will be the manure when used.
The excrement of poultry-hens,
turkeys, &c.,-though limited in
quantity on most farms, is very en-
ergetic and of great value. In its
nature it is very different from the
dung of quadrupeds, and appears to
contain a substance which is mostly
composed of albumem. Vanquelin
analyzed this dung and discovered a
m arked difference between that
voided by brooding hens. 1t has
been asserted by those who have ex-
perimented carefully with the excre-
ment of fowls, and particularly that
of hens, that in order to derive the
greatest possible benefit from it,
care must be taken to commute it
finely before applying it, and to ap-
ply it only to the surface without COW
ering it up. When it becomes nec-
essary to use it as starting manure,
it should always be mixed with some
qualifying manure-such as plaster,
ashes, or common mould. This is
necessary in order to abate its natural
energy and cause it to act for long
er time. In compost it is probably
the most valuable ingredient that
can be used. A steep made Of this
substance may be proftably used in
irrigating gardens. It has some
times been recommended as an infal-
lible remedy for the various evils re-
sulting from the ravages \of the
''str;ped bug" as well as from the
attacks of various other insectiver-
GUS depredators-the attacks OF
which so often prove detrimental to
certain plants. A very valuable ar
tificial guano is made by mixture
of hen excrement, muck, and other
articles; but care must be exercised
in using it, as it is too powerful fol
many plants, and should not be pla-
ced in contact with either the roots
or stalks. But, with caution, no ap
prehension need be felt of Harmful
results either to soil or CROP Ger
mansown { Pa) Telegraph.