In a test of the effects of BHC on Lumbricus rubellus and 
Allolobophora caliginosa, Hoy (1955) found that 21 1b/A produced 
significant mortality when tests were made in soils of low organic 
content, but that 20 1b/A produced no significant mortality in soils 
of medium organic content. The toxicant was mixed with sand, which 
then was mixed with the soil in experimental pots; tests extended 8 
weeks. 
In plot tests, BHC applied at 0.25 and 12 1b/A had no 
significant effect on earthworm populations after 42 months (Polivka, 
1953). Polivka also found no significant effects within 5 and 6 years 
of treatments with BHC at 0.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 I1b/A. 
Satchell (1955) has summarized the results of BHC studies by 
Goffart (1949), Grigor'eva (1952), Gunthart (1947), Prisyazhnyuk (1950), 
Richter (1953), and Weber (1953). In general, earthworms were resistant 
to BHC dressings applied to the soil as dust, but were killed more 
readily when the chemical was applied in a solution or suspension. 
Lindane (gamma BHC) 
In conjunction with experiments in the elimination of Pheretima 
hupeiensis, Schread (1952) tested lindane at 20 1b/A on a golf-green 
grass nursery in Connecticut. Plots were 60 square feet and the toxicant 
was applied as a wettable powder and watered in immediately. The areas 
were soaked with water again after 24 and 48 hours. Treatment was on 
June 3, and by August 5 worm activity was reduced. There was no further 
wormvactivity on the plots even a year later, although untreated plots 
remained heavily infested. It was not stated whether or not other 
species of worms were involved. 
Hoy (1955) tested the effects of lindane on Lumbricus rubellus 
and Allolobophora caliginosa. At 2 and 10 1b/A of lindane applied to 
soil of moderate organic content, there was no significant mortality at 
8 weeks. The toxicant was mixed with soil in small jars. At 30 and 
40 1lb/A, however, average numbers of earthworms surviving were signifi- 
cantly lower than those surviving the 15 and 20 1b/A rate. 
Hopkins and Kirk (1957) conducted two tests of the effects of 
lindane on Eisenia foetida (sp.?). Tests were made in 2-gallon ceramic 
pots. In the first test, 3% lindane dust was mixed with Marlboro saben F 
loam (South Carolina) and the worm samples at the rate of 5 1b/6-in A.= 

1/ This is a method of expressing amount of chemical per volume of soil 
that can be envisaged in terms of field treatments. A 6-inch acre is 
the amount of soil that would cover an acre of land to a depth of 
6 inches, 
