CHAP. II. THEIR WIDE DISTRIBUTION. 127 



In the following year, Mr. Scott measured 

 several of the largest ; one was inches in 

 height and nearly 1J in diameter : two others 

 were 5 inches in height and respectively 2 

 and rather more than 2J inches in diameter. 

 The average weight of the 22 castings sent to 

 me was 35 grammes (li oz.) ; and one of them 

 weighed 44*8. grammes (or 2 oz.). All these 

 eastings were thrown up either in one night 

 or in two. Where the ground in Bengal is 

 dry, as under large trees, castings of a different 

 kind are found in vast numbers : these con- 

 sist of little oval or conical bodies, from about 

 the gV to rather above -^ of an inch in 

 length. They are obviously voided by a 

 distinct species of worms. 



The period during which worms near 

 Calcutta , display such extraordinary activity 

 lasts for only a little over two months, 

 namely, during the cool season after the rains. 

 At this time they are generally found within 

 about 10 inches beneath the surface. During 

 the hot season they burrow to a greater depth, 

 and are then found coiled up and apparently 

 hybernating. Mr. Scott has never seen them 

 at a greater depth than 2J feet, but has heard 



