From Chris Harris
Birmingham
Patrick Young states that the link between airborne hydrocarbons and the
growth of microorganisms that can destroy rock was established in 1966
(“Mouldering monuments”, 2 November, p 36).
Similar phenomena have been observed earlier. In the Cognac region of France,
there is a black fungus or lichen that encrusts the stonework of buildings where
barrels of brandy are stored. It feeds on the alcohol vapour (known locally as
“the angels’ share”) produced by the evaporation of the stored cognac.
It is said that, during the Second World War, occupying German troops were
able to locate hidden stores of cognac by the telltale black marks above the
doors and windows of warehouses.
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