14 



*' gut, nearly as in the earth worms, and a variety of 

 " other insects." If he meant in a state of elongation 

 he is perfectly correct ; if in a state of contraction, he 

 is incorrect. 



Earth worms are hermaphrodites, and have their 

 parts of generation situated about an inch and a half 

 from their mouth. They are oviparous animals. Their 

 copulation is performed on the surface of the ground 

 at different seasons of the year, where they mutually 

 impregnate each other. I recollect perfectly, of ob- 

 serving them in that state, on christmas day, of the 

 year 1801, which was remarkably mild. 



These animals, which man tramples on with disdain, 

 and looks down upon with scorn, are endued with life, 

 motion, sensation, and every other animal faculty. 

 They are found near the surface of the earth in moist, 

 temperate seasons. They penetrate the earth with ease 

 by their heads, which they are capable of making very 

 pointed ; and move with great facility in consequence 

 of the mucilaginous substance, which is continually dis- 

 charged fromthe surface of theirbodies, when inmotion. 

 They come to the surface of the earth when it is suf- 

 ficiently soft, particularly in the morning about the 

 rising of the sun. After ten o'clock we seldom see 

 them on the surface, unless driven out by something 

 moving the surface, which reminds them of their 

 formidable enemy, the mole. In the after part of the 

 day they retire to their subterraneous habitation. 



