The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1871. [Worm notes]. CUL-DAR64.2.4. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 6.2021. 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.

"Leith Hill Place, near Dorking, Surrey. 1842 Josiah Wedgwood [III] bought it, about 4,000 acres, on resigning his partnership in the family firm, home c.1847-80 Also home of Margaret Susan Wedgwood (Mrs Vaughan Williams), before 1944 and later. It was passed to Hervey Vaughan Williams, and in 1944 on his death to Ralph Vaughan Williams, who gave it to the National Trust. They leased it to Ralph Wedgwood, his cousin and close friend." (Paul van Helvert & John van Wyhe, Darwin: A Companion, 2021)

1842 Sep. 14 Came to Down – [Parkland] laid down 1 year before ie 1841 or 1840, I am not sure when – so we will say (now 1871) – 30 years in the time 2.5 inches of earth deposited ie 30.)

[calculations]

so that 12 years for 1. inch.

Leith Hill 6 1/2 & I think some quicker, be very difficult to judge, as measurement in a cast of roots & varieties in the ground, - shown by presence of worms in ground &c.

(over)

"It may appear ludicrous, but we have seen good reason to believe that the earth-worms is not altogether an insignificant geological power."

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)