A Subterranean Algal Flora

Abstract

That there exists a subterranean algal flora, independent of the terrestrial flora, is a possibility which has seemed so remote that little, if any, attempt has been made to investigate this subj Many of the earlier writers upon the algae, including Ehrenberg (Mikro referred to the algae of the and Gre 1856, discussed somewhat in detail the diatoms greens obtained from the soil adhering to the roots of dried plants in herbaria.Robbins, 2 in an account of the algae in some Colorado soils, r lists about a dozen blue-greens, one diatom, and two unicellular obtained from cultures inoculated with soil.In this case, however, as in all previous accounts, there is no indication that the various forms were not immediately derived from the surface or within a very short distance of the surface of the soil.Robbins removed any loose debris on the surface but the sample consisted of not more than the first three or four inches of earth and included any forms which might have originated terrestrially.These sam were c>)les, after being thoroughly mixed, led water and an amount corresponding to 10 gms. of soil drawn off and distributed over the surface of sterile quartz sand in flasks.Adequate precautions against contamination were observed throughout.More recently Miss Bristol 3 has reported upon the vitality of algae from old stored soils, but from her account it is obvious 1 Gregory, W. On the presence of Diatomaceae, Phylolitharia, and sponge spicules in soils which support vegetation.