67 



tion being one-half pound of ashes to one gallon of water. The 

 earthworm ceased to move in three minutes. 



Exp. 13. An embryo of Syngamus placed in the above solu- 

 tion was apparently unaffected at the end of twelve hours. 



Exp. 14. An embryo of Syngamus placed in a watch glass 

 containing a mixture of water and asafoetida, many small pieces 

 of the latter being scattered over the bottom. At the end of one 

 hour it was unaffected, although almost constantly in contact 

 with the lumps of asafoetida. 



Exp. 15. An embryo of Syngamus placed in a watch glass 

 with water, and several small pieces of an onion making a strong 

 solution were added to the same. At the end of six hours very 

 little abatement in the vigor of its movements was perceptible. 

 In twelve hours it still lived, but its movements were very slow. 



The result of the above experiments may be stated as fol- 

 lows: Lime, salt, and ashes are all effective in destroying the 

 earthworm. Lime water and lye of the strength used seemed 

 to have very little effect on the embryo of Syngamus. Doubt- 

 less a stronger solution of ashes would kill it, and it is probable 

 that lime in substance would also be effective. Salt not only 

 destroys the earthworm, but it also kills the embryo of Syn- 

 gamus. The anthelmintic power of asafoetida and the onion 

 has disappointed us much. The latter belongs to the same 

 family {Allium), and has similar properties to garlic, which has 

 been so highly recommended as a specific in this disease. 

 Ashes, lime or salt may then be used. The first two can be 

 spread over the ground. Lime, in the form of lime water, is 

 exceedingly cheap, but, exposed to the air or in the soil soon 

 combines with carbonic acid, forming carbonate of lime, which 

 is probably harmless to the earthworm. We believe salt is 

 more reliable, and it has also the additional advantage of 

 destroying the embryo of the gape worm in the soil. It can be 

 used in poultry yards in the proportion of one pound to the gal- 

 lon of water, or, if the soil is very moist, two pounds would be 

 better. If a large extent of ground is to be treated, the salt 

 could be scattered in substance over the surface and left to be 



