EARTHWORM

the name applied to segmented worms (Annelids) that burrow in the soil, and belong to the ord. Oligocheta, a subdivision of the bristle-worms (Cheetopoda). They have a long, cylindrical body, divided by transverse furrows into numerous ‘rings. The mouth is destitute of jaws, and they have no eyes, tentacles, or other head appendages. They are hermaphrodite. The commonest British forms are chiefly species of Uumbricus and Allolobophora. They feed on earth and various kinds of animal and vegetable matter, and move by the contractions of succe ive parts of the body aided by a double row of bristles. They are of great service to the agriculturist by loosening the soil and increasing its depth. This is chiefly the result of their mode of nourishment, since they deposit the soil they have swallowed, after digestion, in heaps called worm castings which bring up rich fine soil to the surface, gradually covering the upper layer sometimes to the extent of several inches.