From J. H. Chamberlain   17 October 1881

My dear Sir,

I have just read with great interest your book upon Earth Worms.¹

I am not a Naturalist but only an Architect—but it occurs to me that perhaps the leaf lining to the upper part of the worm’s burrow—may protect the sides against the rapid withdrawal of the worm into the interior of the burrow.

Of course with others I have seen this withdrawal hundreds of times but have never noticed if the burrow was leaf lined at that time.

All I know is “architecturally” that the rapid withdrawal of the body would be likely to injure the sides of the burrow and bring portions of them away, unless they are strengthened by some lining of some kind. I should not expect such lining to be continued, beyond the part affected by the rapid withdrawal.

I looked yesterday at several burrows & pulled out the leaves from the entrance—they were all I believe without exception drawn in by the tips.²

Excuse my troubling you, with this & believe me to be, faithfully yours | John Henry Chamberlain