Earthworms

EARTH-WORMS, though in appearance a small and despicable link in the chain of Nature, yet, if lost, would make a lamentable chasm.

Worms . . are stirring every month of the year, as any one may see that will only be at the trouble of taking a candle to a grass-plot on any mild winter's night.

When Earth-worms lie out a-night on the turf though they extend their bodies a great way, they do not quite leave their holes, but keep the ends of their tails fixed therein, so that, at the least alarm, they can retire with precipitation under the earth.

The Natural History and Antiquities of Selbourne (1789) (1789)

Richard Bell,
wildlife illustrator
E-mail;'richard@daelnet.co.uk'

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