EARTHMASTER EARTHWORM CULTURE BED 143 



Composting for Increase 



The Earthmaster Breeding Units are maintained as a con- 

 trolled supply of capsules from the pure strain of domesticated 

 earthworms. But this does not mean that the culture beds are 

 the only source for impregnating the earth. For extensive im- 

 pregnation of grounds, all household garbage, lawn clippings, 

 leaves, prunings, etc., should be carefully composted at some well- 

 shaded location and thoroughly impregnated with earthworm 

 egg-capsules. A numerous earthworm population will rapidly 

 develop in the compost, digesting the material quickly and turn- 

 ing it into the most choice topsoil for potting and other uses. 

 This composted material can be used liberally, wherever needed, 

 and earthworm colonies will be established wherever it is used. 

 By reserving part of the compost for new beds, reseeding of the 

 compost is not necessary. Soon a very great supply of earth- 

 worms will be developed in the composting operations. All gar- 

 den books give instructions on building compost, which is a very 

 simple matter. 



For extensive acreage, many tons of compost should be 

 built up and maintained as culture beds for earthworms, using 

 the material after it has been transformed by the earthworms, 

 with all that it contains of worms, capsules, and castings, for 

 impregnating the earth wherever it is desired to establish an 

 adequate earthworm population. 



DOMESTICATED EARTHWORMS 



All earthworms are valuable as soil-builders, as they func- 

 tion in the same manner. There are hundreds of varieties of 

 native earthworms, with varying characteristics and habits. Some 

 are very prolific. Some multiply slowly. Some varities feed 

 on a very limited range of material. Others consume practically 

 everything in the nature of animal and vegetable waste. Some 

 are adjusted to a very limited range of soil acidity. Others adapt 



