CHAPTER Yir. 



COiVCLUSIOX. 



Summary of the part which worms have played in the history 

 of the world — Their aid in the disintegration of rocks — In the 

 denudation of the land — In the preservation of ancient remains 

 — In the preparation of the soil for the growth of plants — 

 Mental powers of worms — ConcLision. 



Worms have played a more important part 

 in the history of the world than most persons 

 would at first suppose. In almost all humid 

 countries they are extraordinarily numerous, 

 and for their size possess great muscular 

 power. In many parts of England a weight 

 of more than ten tons (10,516 kilogrammes) 

 of dry earth annually passes through their 

 bodies and is brought to the surface on each 

 acre of land ; so that the whole superficial 

 bed of vegetable mould passes through their 

 bodies in the course of every few years. 

 From the collapsing of the old burrows the 

 mould is in constant though slow movement, 



