Earth-worms (Lumbricus terrestris L.)

1664. Earth-worms (Lumbricus terrestris L.), unless existing in great numbers, cannot be ranked among injurious animals, notwithstanding the prejudices entertained by farmers and gardeners against them. They perforate the earth in every part; and, by thus preparing it to receive moisture, accelerate the progress of vegetation. Worms are considered, even to a proverb, as the meanest of beings; but without them the world would be a desert, and neither animal nor vegetable life could be supported.