RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1872. [Earthworm research notes]. CUL-DAR63.14. Edited by John van Wyhe (The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
REVISION HISTORY: Prepared and edited by John van Wyhe 7.2025. RN1
NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volumes CUL-DAR63, CUL-DAR64 and CUL-DAR65 contain a diverse array of materials for Darwin's research on earthworms. All of the textual items in these folders, including this one, have been transcribed in a single file: CUL-DAR63-65.
14
Jan 15. [1872] In Mr. Smith Field across lawn, which is not rolled William observed that whole field covered with [illeg] — ie small conical projections, with grass growing on them. There were manifestly castings covered with grass. — Here we see Earth of castings on level surface — others wd be cast up on the sides & old ones slightly aside & this field kept on same general level. (But I saw in case that wind had apparently blown them over [cite] —
Jan 16 Holwood on steep grassy slopes, the [precipice] rather less plain then on the level parts,
apparently for flowing & crumbling of castings — The numbers wonderful — I found on space of 16 inches traces to the slope & also 6 inches broad covered ∠ single sheet of Earth due to confluences of castings — on several parts or slopes from 8° — to 11°30', then were elongated
14v
discs or subsided castings of 6, 7, & 2 1/2 inches in length down the slope, apparently formed by the confluence of adjoining castings — there is certainly considerable transport of some Earth on slope like this
On part of park where gravel comes close to surface & hardly any trail, no worm castings.
Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)
File last updated 6 July, 2025