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THE FORMATION OF VEGETABLE MOULD THROUGH THE ACTION OF WORMS, with Observations on their Habits. By Charles Darwin, LL.D., F.R,S. With illustrations. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Price, $2 00.

This work contains valuable and curious results of the investigations of the eminent authors in regard to the habits of original worms, the amount of fine earth brought to the surface by their action, showing the rate at which various objects strewed on the surface of grass-fields are covered by the castings of worms, the number of worms which live within a given space. Interesting facts are given showing the part which worms have played in the burial of ancient buildings. Mr. Darwin states that worms have played a considerable part in the burial and concealment of several Roman and other old buildings in England, and cites the Roman villas of Abinger and at Chedworth and Bradny. He also gives facts about the undermining of pavement and foundations by worms, of great interest. The action of worms in the denudation of the land is stated to be very considerable. In fact he proves conclusively should that worms have played an important part in the history of the world. It is a book students of the earth will find great pleasure and profit in reading.