192 Phylum Annelida 



A laundry sprinkler in the neck of a bottle is useful. The regulation of 

 moisture may be aided by removing the cover for a time as necessary. 

 The surface of the earth should be level and pressed down, not too 

 firmly, to leave no lumps above to dry or mold. The fragments of slate 

 or stone on the surface aid greatly in producing an optimal condition 

 beneath. There should be no collection of water in the bottom of the 

 pan. If this occurs it is best to tip the pan up, with something under 

 one edge, to allow the water to drain to one side so that the greater 

 part of the pan may dry. If excessive water is present the earth should 

 be held in place and the pan drained on its side. 



The food should be placed where the worms are found as they have 

 usually congregated in favorable localities. However some should be 

 scattered throughout to reach those worms which are dispersed in the 

 culture. It is best to place the food in small masses as the cocoons are 

 deposited on these and the young may be securely attached to them. 

 Cereals, such as oatmeal, are convenient foods. Pieces of boiled potatoes 

 with the skins attached are also excellent. Bread or other materials 

 may be used. It is best to vary the diet. The amount should be such as 

 to be consumed within a reasonable time, frequent rather than large 

 feedings being needed. 



Mold may often be present but does not seem to interfere if the food 

 masses are not large. Removal of surface growth and taking the cover 

 off to allow short drying periods will help keep it in check. A culture 

 which attracts Drosophila is often in optimal condition and a few of 

 these flies are usually present. However a souring culture is to be 

 strictly avoided. 



In starting a "culture the worms should be placed in only a few places 

 rather than scattered throughout the dirt, and food placed with them. 

 Breeding is facilitated if large numbers of worms are together. Since a 

 culture usually presents cycles of abundance and scarcity of worms it is 

 advisable to have several cultures if a constant supply of worms is needed. 



In securing worms for use, masses of them may be removed with 

 forceps and placed in water. If small worms are desired it is best to 

 remove also some dirt and food. At times they may be secured by 

 washing the under side of the slate or stones on the surface. Repeated 

 decanting of the water and the addition of more will wash most of the 

 light dirt away and the worms may be transferred with wide-mouthed 

 pipettes through several wash waters to clean them. 



It should be emphasized again that constant daily attention to the 

 cultures is essential. 



