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March 6th 81 Worms in confinement Triangles of Paper

10˚Pm Saw worm dragging broad [triangle] by suction near base – also taking ends into mouth also engulfing whole apex. Tried often to drag one in by basal angles or by whole base into hole; did not succeed; - then tried a distant triangle & took whole apex into mouth & draw it quickly towards hole; then fixed itself a little way from apex & dragged it short way into hole, then ceased walking & drew another broad triangle short way in by one of basal angle – Then returned to former one & drew it some way in by apex & by next morning deeply & straight in. Saw another worm take another broad triangle by apex into mouth & drew it some way quickly into hole. by next morning deeply in mould – I rather suspect that they try many ways, but seem to know when they have seized a favorable part, as in case of Pine-leaves. I doubt about leaving general shape. After trying in several ways they apparently soon learn which is best way.

March 7th I have been watching the worms in both pots; they seem to touch & drag a little the several triangles by mere chance – none were dragged close to burrows. I have now seen one after pulling at apex, reject it & pull broad triangle, little way in by exact middle.

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March 8th

(2) Pot I narrow triangle, one drawn in exactly middle, & worm adhered by suction the middle; but this triangle had previously been attempted by many basal angles, which was much bent & dirtied.

In Pot II narrow triangle drawn in by middle, & afterwards drawn quite beneath surface

In Pot I a 2d worm pulled the triangle out of the hole by near the middle, & then seized it near the apex & drew it into the burrow apex downwards

Saw worm in Pot I seize triangle by near apex drop it, pass on & seize another near base, then in middle & then by base & then drop it – a second worm seized triangle by middle & drew it little way – In Pot II – worm seized paper by middle & drew it little way, then dropped it, afterward seized it by middle & drew it into hole – All goes by chance – Earth very soft.