The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms

English: The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms (sometimes shortened to Worms) is an 1881 book by Charles Darwin on earthworms. It was his last scientific book, and was published shortly before his death (see Darwin from Insectivorous Plants to Worms). Exploring earthworm behavior and ecology, it continued the theme common throughout his work that gradual changes over long periods of time can lead to large and sometimes surprising consequences.

Exterior and title page

Spine
1st edition

Illustrations

Fig. 1 Diagram of the alimentary canal of an earthworm (Lumbricus), copied from Ray Lankester in Quart. Journ. of Microscop. Soc. vol. xv. N.S. pl. vii.
Fig. 2 Tower-like castings from near Nice, constructed of earth, voided probably by a species of Perichaeta: of natural size, copied from a photograph.
Fig. 3 A tower-like casting, probably ejected by a species of Perichaeta, from the Botanic Garden, Calcutta: of natural size, engraved from a photograph.
Fig. 4 A casting from the Nilgiri Mountains in South India; of natural size, engraved from a photograph.