The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-03-13
POMARIA. Feb. %. 1879.

To the Weekly Nears: The letter en-
closed herewith from Prof. Chas. T..
Shepard, Jr., NJ. D., is in reply to a
letter OF inquiry asking information
In regard to the proper mode Of max.
ing compost manure
1st. OF stable and lot manure, cot
ton seed and an acid phosphate under
shelter.
ed. Muck hauled 20 the fed and
there cOmpOsted with cotton seed and
acid phosphate.
The subject of making, as near as
practicable, all the required
upon the farm from material accessi-
bic, with the use Of as little of com
merclal fertilizers as possible, is of
very great Importance to our people.
Fertilizers are being used, and have
been for several years to such an ex-
tent. to the neglect of home made
manures, with no visible improve
ment in the soil, when not judicious>
ly applied, that our farmers are
seriously considering the abandonment
OF their use altogether. The plan
suggested by Prof. Shepard will insure
o permanent and better
at much less cost, (but more labor,)
than the ammOpiated fertilizer.
Respectfully,
THOS. w. HOLLOWAY.
CHARLESTON, S. c.. Feb. Z, 1879.
MAJ. Z. w. HollowaH Pomaria, s. G.:
DEAR SIR-Your letter handed me
by Mr.. G. E. Gibbon was read with
much pleasure, and / will endeavor to
give the desired information.
Stable is Of very many diff
ferent kinds. Where the animals are
stall fed and care is taken not only to
insure a rich manure, but also to save
the liquid drOppings, as well as the
solid, it has high value. But when
the urine is allowed to escape as we'll
as the volatile products of the subse-
quent decomposition, the value, at
least in ammonia, is small. Again,
nure, it depends entirely upon the mas
ture and quantity of the food given.
Fresh cotton seed yields, say 80 to
cent. phosphoric acid, and one per
cent. potash.
Rough lot manure has very little
value, except to the land where it was
deposited. The first rain and a little
sunshine dissipate almost all Of its
valuable ingredients into the soil and
atmosphere. | question whether it is
worth the expense of collecting it.
Muck, like stable manure, is of all
sorts, and has little manurial value.
Acid phosphate, by reason of its
acidity, is more valuable than the ash
element for COmpOsts, as it produces
more rapid chemical action.
Wi h these facts, it is possible for
you to construct your n piles.
l would suggest that a pile composed
in proper proportion of cotton seed,
stable manure, aud an acid phosphate
containing potash, then we'll moisten-
ed, protected from rain and covered
with muck or loan to ensure retention
of all ammoniacal fumes, must pro-
duce a rich compost.
l doubt if there is much profit in
constructing such a manure heap AS
you describe ('second") for your field
one, because there is difficulty in pro-
tecting from weather.
With regard to the apprehension as
to lack of ammonia and potash, a heap
constructed of cotton seed, stable ma.
nure and phosphate containing potash,
would be deficient in neither but if
there is any doubt as to the value Of
your stable manure-and real stable
manure is almost never seen in the
Soulful would pay you to supple
ment your compost manuring by the
iudicious use of a complete manure.
namely, an ammoniated superphos-
phate, containing also potash and
magnesia.
In conclusion, the proportions and
method suggested by you appeared
mirable, and | would only suggest that
the layers be made as thin as possible
to the end of promoting the closest
juxtaposition of the ingredients.
Very respectfully,
CHARLES U. SHEPARD, JR.