It appears that this species of liquid manure applies best to
grass ; a doctrine which is corroborated by the experience of
Mr. Harley, the predictor of the celebrated dairy near Glas-
gow, who says,— ^that the advantages of irrigating grass-lands
With cows' urine almost exceeds belief: last season some small
fields were cut six times, averaging fifteen inches in length
at each cutting, and the sward very thick.' It was also found
to succeed best after a shower, or when the ground was moist;
but if laid* on during sultry weather, it was advantageous to
mix it with one-thira of water; and although that was not
thought necessary in spring or autumn, yet, judging from the
quantity used, it may be presumed to have been, rather pro-
fiisely added. We learn, indeed, from Sir Humphrey Davy,
that, * during the putre&ction of urine, the greatest part of the
soluble matter, contained in it is dissipated.* He therefore
recommends that * it should be consumed as fresh as possible,
but if not mixed with solid compost, it should be diluted with
water, as, when undiluted, it contains too much animal matter
to form a proper fluid nutriment for absorption by the roots of
plants.' This theory, it will however be recollected, contra-
dicts both the Flemish and the Chinese practice, which favours
a protracted degree of fermentation ; but he admits that 'putrid
urine abounds in ammoniacal salts; and, though less active
than firesh urine, that it is a very powerful manure.' h, can-



OK MANU8B9. 77

not, indeed, h^ doulited that, in whatever state it may be found
the most effectual, it is at least well worthy of attention, and
we recommend it strongly to the consideration of all experi-
mental farmers.
