[Is potash valuable for this use? From what sources may potash be obtained? In what proportion should ashes be applied to muck? Sparlings?] _Potash_ is a very active agent in decomposing vegetable matter, and may be used with great advantage, especially where an analysis of the soil which is to be manured shows a deficiency of potash. _Unleached_ wood ashes are generally the best source from which to obtain this, and from five to twenty-five bushels of these mixed with one cord of muck will produce the desired result.[Z] The sparlings (or refuse) of potash warehouses may often be purchased at sufficiently low rates to be used for this purpose, and answer an excellent end. They may be applied at the rate of from twenty to one hundred pounds to each cord of muck. * * * * * By any of the foregoing methods, muck may be _prepared_ for use in composting. FOOTNOTES: [Y] There is, undoubtedly, some of this lime which does not unite with the chlorine; this, however, is still as valuable as any lime. [Z] _Leached_ ashes will not supply the place of these, as the leaching has deprived them of their potash. CHAPTER V. COMPOSTING STABLE MANURE. [What principles should regulate us in composting? In what condition is solid dung of value as a fertilizer? What do we aim to do in composting?] In composting stable manure in the most economical manner, the evaporation of the organic parts and the leaching of the ashy (and other) portions must be avoided, while the condition of the mass is such as to admit of the perfect decomposition of the manure. Solid manures in their fresh state are of but very little use to plants. It is only as they are decomposed, and have their nitrogen turned into ammonia, and their other ingredients resolved into the condition required by plants, that they are of much value as fertilizers. We have seen that, if this decomposition takes place without proper precautions being made, the most valuable parts of the manure would be lost. Nor would it be prudent to keep manures from decomposing until they are applied to the soil, for then they are not immediately ready for use, and time is lost. By composting, we aim to save every thing while we prepare the manures for immediate use. SHELTER. [What is the first consideration for composts? Describe the arrangement of floor.] The first consideration in preparing for composting, is to provide proper shelter. This may be done either by means of a shed or by arranging a cellar under the stables, or in any other manner that may be dictated by circumstances. It is no doubt better to have the manure shed enclosed so as to make it an effectual protection; this however is not absolutely necessary if the roof project far enough over the compost to shelter it from the sun's rays and from driving rains.