"If fresh stable manure is secured it should be thrown into piles not more than 4 feet high and of any extent desired. ...At first the manure should be thoroughly wet throughout. Subsequently it will be necessary to maintain it in a moist state, and to turn, or fork over, the pile three or four times, or oftener, depending upon the conditions. Under ordinary circumstances if the manure is well moistened it may be properly fermented in three weeks or somewhat less, being turned at intervals of from three to five days. The presence of shavings or sawdust may necessitate a longer fermentation interval..."