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 specimenspending 

 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. 



