EARTHMASTER EARTHWORM CULTURE BED 141 



days, according to moisture and temperature; thus production 

 is quickly established. Under favorable conditions, domesticated 

 earthworms may pass an egg-capsule every seven to ten days, so 

 that the increase is extremely rapid. After sixty days from im- 

 pregnation, the surface compost should be examined to a depth 

 of three or four inches for capsules. If capsules are found, the 

 routine of harvesting may be started. 



HARVESTING THE INCREASE 



Egg-Capsules and Castings 



As earthworm egg-capsules hatch in fourteen to twenty-one 

 days from the time they are deposited, it is evident that if the 

 material in the egg-nest is removed or worked over every two 

 to three weeks, the capsules which have been deposited during 

 this period will be recovered. Earthworms come to the surface 

 to deposit their eggs and castings. They feed mainly near the 

 surface, especially at night, or if the bed is kept shaded and 

 dark. For this reason, the surface should be kept moist and 

 well-covered. A damp tow sack_on the surface forms a good 

 cover for darkness and dampness. When disturbed by light and 

 vibration, or if too hot, the worms will withdraw into their per- 

 manent burrows deeper in the culture bed. 



Removing Contents of Egg-nest 



Before removing the material from the nest, it should be 

 raked into a cone-shaped pile in the center of the bed (covers 

 laid aside) and allowed partly to dry out. When disturbed or 

 exposed to light, the worms will rapidly work downward to 

 escape from the light and drying. In a few minutes after ex- 

 posure, an inch or more of the surface may be removed for 

 screening. Two small hand-screen boxes should be provided, 

 one with half -inch screen to remove the coarser material which 

 is to be mixed with new compost. The finer material, contain- 

 ing the eggs, will pass through the coarse screen. Next, the ma- 



