340 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



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Whitlows produced by their bites Earthworms. 



the bottom is composed of soft clay, through 

 which it passes as a fish does through water. It 

 is sometimes found in the earth, and particularly 

 in gardens of a clayey soil, after rain. It derived 

 its name from the idea that it was produced from 

 the hair of horses and other animals that were 

 accidentally dropped into the water; a notion 

 that is yet prevalent among the lower class of 

 the people. Its Linnean name of gordius origi- 

 nated in the habit that it has of twisting itself 

 into such peculiar contortions as to resemble a 

 complicated gordian knot. In this state it often 

 continues for a considerable time, and then 

 slowly disengaging itself extends its body to the 

 full length. When kept in a vessel of water, it 

 will sometimes appear motionless, and as if dead, 

 for several hours, and afterward will resume its 

 former vigor, and seem as healthy as before. It 

 is very remarkable that its bite, which it some- 

 times inflicts upon being taken out of the water, 

 lias been known to produce the Complaint called 

 a whitlow. 



Earth worms have a round annulated body, 

 with generally an elevated fleshy belt near the 

 head. Most of the species are rough, with mi- 

 nute concealed prickles placed longitudinally, 

 and have in the body a lateral aperture or pore. 



The dew worm, which is the most remarkable 

 earth worm, is without bones, without brain, 

 eyes, and feet. It has a number of breathing- 

 holes along its back, adjoining to each ring. 



