NATURE'S SOIL-CONSERVING OPERATIONS 179 



Study 23. Observations on Leaf-mold and Woodland Soil 



For this study, digging tools of some sort for individual use 

 should be provided; light brick-layers' hammers will do. 

 Vials or other containers, in which to keep specimens pending 

 identification, will also be useful. 



The program of work will consist of: 



1. Uncovering the soil in a leaf -bed in the woods, noting 

 the materials of its composition and their condition at differ- 

 ent depths ; also its population, as evidenced by the presence 

 of some, animals and the ' 'signs" of others. 



2. Digging two holes down into the subsoil, one in the 

 woods and the other in the open field, carefully noting the 

 color condition and contents of the strata encountered. 



3 . Observing the agencies concerned in the mixing of the 

 soil in the woods. 



The record of this study will consist of: 



1. Notes on the leaf -bed as to: 



(a). Its components and their state of preservation, 

 (b). Its population and the relative size and abun- 

 dance of its resident organisms, 



2 . Comparative diagrams of vertical soil-sections in woods 

 and in field, with notes on such differences as the diagrams do 

 not show. 



3. Diagrams of soil disturbance: 



{a). At the mouth of an animal's burrow (section), 

 (b). At the root of an overturned tree. 



