Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
DUNG. In many countries of the East wood is so scarce and dear as to be sold by weight. Hence animal excrements are used as fuel. Eze 4:12. It is a very common material for heating ovens, even among people of comfortable circumstances. In Arabia the excrements of asses and camels are collected in the streets by children, mixed with cut straw, put in the sun to dry, and thus fitted for use as fuel. The effluvia arising from the use of it are very offensive, and penetrate the food.