My dear Mr Darwin

Horace, Payne, Ida & I have been examining the ruins again today—and I think we can answer your questions.¹

1. The worms are still working through the concrete floor of Room No 1.—²

2. The two trenches we made for you were at the East & west ends of room No 1.    the trench at the East end I feel quite sure of: it was outside the wall of that room. About the trench at the west end I cannot be quite so sure— At the west end there is no outer wall but the concrete was broken away and it ended in a mass of broken stones & rubbish.³ The compass bearings are as I told you. The hedge runs east & west, the east end being the higher—up the hill. The walls of the ruin run as nearly as possible north & south & east & west—⁴

I inclose a sketch Horace made on the spot.

Some splendid red worm castings collected by Horace on a road made of brick rubbish shall come tomorrow.⁵

We are much enjoying a sight of them both—robust from Switzerland—both in excellent health & spirits & Horace keen for work⁶

Ever yours sincerely | T H Farrer

We examined the walk round the rough which is on fibrous peat and could find no worms or their doings: there were plenty on the neighbouring open rough where the soil is sand with a little mould above it⁷