Ill 



The Earthworm in Scientific Literature 



So THOROUGHLY established and accepted is the place and func- 

 tion of the earthworm in nature that soil scientists, and other sci- 

 entific writers in general, give it brief mention in a paragraph, 

 or possibly one or two pages, as the most important animal agency 

 in soil-building, and then refer the reader to Charles Darwin's 

 classic study as recorded in his great book, The Formation of 

 Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Earthworms, with Ob- 

 servations on Their Habits. 



Beginning his study of the earthworm during his college 

 days prior to 1837, Charles Darwin collected his notes, made his 

 observations, and set them down in meticulous and painstaking 

 detail throughout his long life. In 1881, shortly before the death 

 of the great naturalist, the first edition of his famous book on 

 earthworms appeared. Thus in this one instance we have a com- 

 plete and comprehensive study over a sufficient period of time in 

 which to establish facts and form conclusions. To appreciate 

 and comprehend fully the vast activity and importance of earth- 

 worms in nature, Darwin's book on The Formation of Vegetable 

 Mould should be read. It is available in practically all public li- 

 braries. 



"Vegetable mould" is the name given by Darwin to the fer- 

 tile layers of topsoil. In his introduction, referring to his studies 

 and observations, he states : "I was thus led to conclude that all 

 the vegetable mould over the whole country has passed many 



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