.20| .11
The manure contains ammonia | | | |
in form of salts, easily | | | |
decomposed by quicklime | 2.49| 1.71| .75| .80
Total amount of organic | | | |
matters | 801.45| 476.25| 302.05| 268.96
Total amount of mineral | | | |
matters | 158.15| 213.65| 186.65| 238.54
----------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------

"It will be remarked," says Dr. Voelcker, "that in the first
experimental period, the fermentation of the dung, as might have been
expected, proceeded most rapidly, but that, notwithstanding, very little
nitrogen was dissipated in the form of volatile ammonia; and that on
the whole, the loss which the manure sustained was inconsiderable
when compared with the enormous waste to which it was subject in the
subsequent warmer and more rainy seasons of the year. Thus we find at
the end of April very nearly the same amount of nitrogen which is
contained in the fresh; whereas, at the end of August, 27.9 per cent
of the total nitrogen, or nearly one-third of the nitrogen in the
manure, has been wasted in one way or the other.

"It is worthy of observation," continues Dr. Voelcker, "that, during a
well-regulated fermentation of dung, the loss in intrinsically valuable
constituents is inconsiderable, and that in such a preparatory process
the _efficacy of the manure becomes greatly enhanced_. For certain
purposes fresh dung can never take the place of well-rotted dung. * *
The farmer will, therefore, always be compelled to submit a portion of
home-made dung to fermentation, and will find satisfaction in knowing
that this process, when well regulated, is not attended with any serious
depreciation of the value of the manure. In the foregoing analyses he
will find the direct proof that as long as heavy showers of rain are
excluded from manure-heaps, or the manure is kept in water-proof pits,
the most valuable fertilizing matters are preserved."

This experiment of Dr. Voelcker proves conclusively that manure can be
kept in a rapid state of fermentation for six months during winter, with
little loss of nitrogen or other fertilizing matter.

During fermentation a portion of the insoluble matter of the dung
becomes soluble, and if the manure is then kept in a heap exposed to
rain, there is