Dear Uncle Charles

I have been up on the common today after the worms.

I could not find anything in the middle of the heath, away from the paths, but there were some worm castings on the edge of the grass covered road, resti⁠⟨⁠ng⁠⟩⁠ on sprigs of heath, & in one case or more, with the sprays of heath pushed up through them.² But there was grass or other plants all growing among the heath, in fact it is hardly pure anywhere.

I should have thought it a very unlikely place for worm casts, among a thick tangled mass, whether heath or not?

Also, from my experience, I shd hardly have expected to meet with any worms in that stony sand, (or in peat either.) unless in such a case as grass roots, weeds, in a gravel path. I dug a little among the heath, but found none, but this does not shew much, as I only in one case found any in digging the grass beneath actual wormcasts.

I don’t know whether Lucy has written to you, she went up one day, and found nothing particular I believe, and meant to have gone again, but had to go home rather suddenly on account of one of the children not being well.³ She could not remember what light she took, unless she has been able to tell you since—⁴ I am sorry to have written you such a long winded statement about so little.

As my mother has been able to write herself, I will not about anything else.⁵ I do hope aunt Emma is better.⁶ yr affect. niece KESW.⁷