43

1)

Worms.

Aug 21 1877 Abinger - Roman Ruins

One worm at depth of 23 1/4 inches — another larger worm at a depth of 34 inches, & the hole (for the worm has cut through evidently went deeper — In another place in same undisturbed earth many holes lined with fine black earth (so that some humus is certainly carried far down) at the depth of 43 inches with holes going further down & here was a fine live worm disinterred.

It is certain that fine earth must be brought up by the action of worms, of which many were seen. But as field slopes gently & is ploughed & has long been cultivated & as earth light & it is known that during heavy rain much is washed down, it is impossible to say how much due to this cause & how much to worms. —

Over a concrete pavement (through which however I could see no signs of holes for worms) that was in

43v

This was the first trench dug on the lower side of ruins & to the S. W, & lower than could have been but little [wash] at early times from the field, until all was demolished & levelled. here the depth was 6 1/2 + 34 before coming to undisturbed yellowish argillaceous compact sand.

There is no difficulty in believing that a wide expanse of turf has subsided. Equally & why shd be doubt about a paved floor if it can be penetrated by worms

44

2)

one part 10 inches of fine earth & in another part 14 inches & about 15 over a thick wall which was discovered. It is certain that pavement & walls must have been completely buried before field was ploughed — Adjoining to pavement & lower side into [depth] to slope of field there was only 6 1/2 inches of fine earth & 34 inches of fine earth mixed with many stones & tiles & mortar rubbish above the undisturbed native earth [*] . I suspect that level of land on the lower side was 2 or 3 feet beneath level of floor & that the many stones & rubbish was accumulated & thus worms filled up intestines after which I imagine which subsided but subside unequally, so that stones get separated by fine earth, some stones sinking more than others

We now [find] that the concrete was covered with very small square tiles 5/8 of an inch thick

(over)

44v

& above an inch square & I saw worm holes though [illeg] of the tessellated [illeg] one was cut through in its hole. So that earth cd certainly be brought up from below

In one place 11 inches over the tile & in another place 16 inches. The layer of tiles not quite seen.

Aug 23d I have found at least 6 or 8 points in the concrete surface, where worms have tried to come up, but were prevented making their castings by the boards on surface.

I have gone & counted & found 25 holes !!! several of [them] small, but some large, & on removing the little cake of earth, I saw the disappearing tails of 3 worms. These we examined consisted of the concrete with that portion on which the little tiles still adhere.

Aug 24th No castings except two baby ones! Very cold night or alarmed