call: observations on flora of mammoth cave 67 



the rejectamenta which is often covered with certain low forms of 

 saprophytic plants. No less than six forms, distributed in as 

 many genera, are found in Washington Hall alone — the usual 

 luncheon stations for parties on the Long Route. These occur 

 indifferently on fragments of ham, chicken bones, and beef, while 

 the plant-using varieties are found on the fragments of bread and 

 other cereal products. For many years past the cave rats and 

 certain insects visit this section, attracted by the richness of the 

 food supply; this has caused this particular locality to become a 

 center of distribution for these plant forms. But, it is to be 

 noted, without exception all are plants of the outer world and 

 none are distinctively of cavernicolous origin. The introduction 

 by means of lunch baskets, clothing, staffs, timbers, etc., is too 

 obvious to need mention. 



Briefly stated, the following conclusions have been reached 

 regarding the Cave's flora, (a) Only two forms are to be regarded 

 as strictly cavernicolous. They are particularized below, (b) 

 Many are curiously modified both in habit and appearance by 

 peculiar conditions of environment, though the conditions are 

 very stable, (c) There are no seasonal or sporadic exhibitions of 

 plant life. The uniform temperature, of about 54 degrees F. and 

 the abundant supply of moisture are stable conditions: to these 

 the plant life is now well adjusted, (d) All the plants except 

 Coprinus micaceus, Fames applanatus, and Rhizomorpha molinaris 

 are microscopic, {e) All are saprophytes, two being sarcophytes. 



The following annotated list comprises all that is known of the 

 species inhabiting the cave. The list includes 13 genera and 15 

 species. 

 Coprinus micaceus Bull. 



River Hall and on the shore of the Dead Sea only. Groups 



of several individuals have been taken along River Hall, near 



the boat landing, and at the Cascades near the River Styx. 



A new fly, Limosina stygia Coq. was discovered by the author 



in a cluster taken on the River Styx. The toadstool is very 



often found deliquesced. 



FOMES APPLANATUS Pers. 



Found in the Labyrinth, attached to old timbers and curiously 

 modified into cylindrical and ram's-horn-like objects, some of 

 them more than ten inches in length. Introduced from with- 

 out the cave. 



