Managemen t of organic manure

1293. On the management of organic manures depends much of their value as food to plants. The great mass of manures procured by the cultivator is a mixture of animal and vegetable matters, and the great source of supply is the farm or stable yard. Here the excrementitious matter of horses, cattle, swine, and poultry, is mixed with straw, haulm, chaff, and various kinds of litter. To what degree should this be fermented before it is applied to the soil ? and how can it best be preserved when not immediately wanted?