Page:The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms (1881).djvu/76

 lawn, it is necessary first to brush or rake away the castings from the surface, in order that the lime-water may enter the burrows. It might be inferred from this fact that the mouths are plugged up with leaves, &c., to prevent the entrance of water during heavy rain; but it may be urged against this view that a few, loose, well-rounded stones are ill-adapted to keep out water. I have moreover seen many burrows in the perpendicularly cut turf-edgings to gravel-walks, into which water could hardly flow, as well plugged as burrows on a level surface. Can the plugs or piles of stones aid in concealing the burrows from scolopenders, which, according to Hoffmeister, are the bitterest enemies of worms? Or may not worms when thus protected be able to remain with safety with their heads close to the mouths of their burrows, which we know that they like to do, but which costs so many of them their lives? Or may not the plugs check the free ingress, of the lowest stratum of air, when chilled by