Abstract
In Nature, vol. xvii. p. 18, some details are given of observations made by M. Hensen on the relation of the earthworm to the fertility of the ground. He has observed, as everyone must have observed, that the earthworm during night draws into its tube or hole the loose leaves and fibres which may be lying about. But this operation of the earthworm has a significance in relation to the vegetable world of even a profounder kind than that of the fertilisation of the soil. Some months ago, in searching for young ash plants with three cotyledons, I found that in a great many cases the samara or seed of the ash had been drawn into a worm's hole, and had there found moisture and other essential conditions of growth; while the same seeds lying dry upon the surface had not germinated. There can thus be no doubt that many seeds of all kinds are drawn under the surface of the ground, or covered by the earth thrown up by worms, They are thus preserved from birds and various enemies, and are placed in the proper position for germination. The dead plant is perpetuated from its fallen panicle by the earthworm. An ash tree, or a whole forest of ash trees, may have been planted by earthworms.
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WILSON, A. The Earthworm in Relation to the Fertility of the Soil. Nature 17, 28 (1877). https://doi.org/10.1038/017028b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/017028b0
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