114 HARNESSING THE EARTHWORM 



capsule production. If there are too many breeders, they may 

 slow down in reproduction. Although earthworms begin to pro- 

 duce capsules while they are quite small, the fully mature worms 

 will be the best breeders as a rule. Worms live to a great age, 

 unless accidentally destroyed, provided they are in a favorable 

 environment. 



Watering Culture Boxes 



If worms are to multiply rapidly, they must have plenty of 

 water. The compost should be kept moist through and through, 

 but not soggy wet. The boxes should be watered with a sprinkler 

 hose, sprinkling can, or hose nozzle once or twice a week, accord- 

 ing to what is necessary to keep the cultures moist. Proper state 

 of moisture must be determined by inspection until experience 

 shows correct routine and time for watering. The point of prime 

 importance is never to allow the cultures to "dry out." Pre- 

 liminary to harvesting the increase, the culture boxes may be 

 allowed to become somewhat dry for a few days, so that the ma- 

 terial can be handled without trouble. Wet, muddy compost is 

 not so easily handled as is a moist, crumbly material. Many small 

 details of production and handling will be taught by experience 

 in fact, that is the only way that they can be learned. 



Harvesting the Increase Proper Work Tables 



A table twenty-eight inches high, thirty inches wide, of any 

 desired length, is a convenient size for harvesting operations. It 

 is well to have a railing on back and ends of table, about three 

 inches high, to prevent material from being pushed off the table. 

 The table-top should be smooth, preferably covered with metal, 

 and without cracks. Dump contents of a culture box on table 

 and rake the material into a cone-shaped pile. The material 

 which adheres to sides and bottom of box can be carefully 

 scraped out with a small trowel, old caseknife, putty knife, or 



