If the horncores were laid as a layer at the base of a constructed bed,
might they have been more to do with drainage than with fertiliser?
Terry
***********************************
Prof Terry O'Connor
Department of Archaeology
University of York
Kings Manor
York YO1 7EP
http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/arch/staff/OConnor.htm
Editor, International Journal of Osteoarchaeology
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jhome/5488
-----Original Message-----
From: Analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Andy Bates
Sent: 17 August 2005 09:37
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ZOOARCH] Horncores and Hot Beds
Dear Zooarch
We've recently excavated some 17/18th century linear garden features,
the
sediment of which contains high quantities of manure. They are
interpreted
as hotbeds (of the garden variety). At the base large quantities of
horncores were placed. Bone meal is used as a fertiliser, but has anyone
come across whole bones being used. Presumably specifically the horn
core,
being the more susceptible to being broken up (although these are
largely
intact).
Any info gratefully received.
BW
Andy Bates
|