Abstract: The present invention provides an improved auger for use in drilling holes in the earth. The auger has a helical flight which is wound in a direction opposite to the normal direction of rotation of the auger. Thus an auger which is to be rotated in a clockwise manner has its flight directed in a counterclockwise manner. As the auger enters the earth with its clockwise rotation the tailings created thereby encounter a downhole force created by the reverse flight and they are forced outwardly from the auger so that they enter natural fissures or porous zones of the earth along the wall of the hole. No tailings reach the surface of the earth to create environmental problems. When water is used, as in drilling deeper as for seismic exploration, the water and tailings enter the wall of the hole and create a form of cement which prevents wall collapse. Drilling is faster and more economical, with fewer breakdowns, than with conventional augers.