57

With regard to the inorganic part, or mineral portion of sta-
ble manure, it is evident from its origin that it must he com-
posed of all the various constituents requisite to the develop-
ment of vegetable life, and to contain them in a quantitative
proportion best adapted to meet the wants of the growing
crop. This state of things, though sufficient in itself to jus-
tify the most favorable expectations, gives nevertheless, no,
full exposition of all the virtues of this valuable part in stable
manure. There are besides, two other instances to be men-
tioned which add materially to its efficiency as a fertilizer,
and secure to it its acknowledged superiority over all other
mineral compounds that have been brought in competition
with it. The one relates to the particular form, the other to
the state of association in which the mineral part exists in;
the great mass of stable manure; both acting most power-
fully in promoting its assimilation by the plants. For being,
as to the first instance, only a small integrant part of the
whole voluminous mass of the manure, it must necessarily
exist there in a state of indefinite fineness and subdivision,
and therefore, most liable to yield to the action of solvents.
And if we ask what solvent should probably most powerfully
act on the constituents of the mineral portion of stable ma-
nure, we must, according to the results of practical experi-
ment, answer in favor of water impregnated with carbonic
acid, the very substance which is furnished by the second
instance, that is, in consequence of the intimate connection
of the mineral matters with the organic part of stable ma-
nure.

The humus, as we know, provides during the whole course
of its decay, for a regular source of gaseous carbonic acid,
which, in the moment of its being evolved from it, is most
liable to become incorporated with the water contained in the
soil, and thereby to impart to it the power of dissolving freely
the earthy substances of which the mineral portion of the
manure is composed.

These conditions demonstrate at once the highly fertilizing
properties of the mineral portion which, in its connection
with the organic part, in the form of stable or barn-yard ma-
nure, must really offer the most natural and efficient means
for restoring fertility to soil. No temptation, however in-
geniously displayed, should induce the farmer to lessen his
appreciation of this valuable fertilizer. He should aid, im-
prove and increase it by all means, but never neglect or dis-
trust it, for it is his nearest and best friend on whom he can
call in his hour of need, and who will give him not grudg-
ingly increased crops, and impart increased fertility to his