THE DEW OR LOB-WORM. 187 



the coming heat of day. The early bird catches 

 the worm, and so does the early angler. By night 

 they are sought after by the light of a lantern. 

 They may be dug out of moist mould, and out of 

 the moist bottoms of ditches. In dry weather 

 their retreat is deep, and you must dig deeply for 

 them. If you place a quantity of wet straw oil 

 the surface of the ground, they will come out in a 

 day or two. It is said that water in which wal- 

 nuts, or their green shells, have been steeped, 

 poured upon the ground, will immediately bring 

 the worms to the surface. Digging for them, or 

 getting them by night by means of a lantern, or 

 early in the morning by the light of one's own 

 eyes, is the best and most natural way. With 

 respect to the preservation of dew-worms, Captain 

 Williamson truly says, ' It is much the same as 

 that of other worms, namely, to be kept in moist 

 moss, changed every three or four days, and set 

 by in unglazed earthen pots, in a cool place during 

 hot weather. That kind of moss is best which is 

 found on commons, and which is crisp, and of a 

 greenish-white colour. It cannot be too soft and 

 elastic, but should be carefully searched whilst 

 washing before it is put to the worms, so that all 

 thorns and rough substances may be removed, else 

 the worms will not thrive so well. Those who can 

 supply a little cream every day, to be mixed in or 

 thrown upon the surface of the moss-pans, will 



