The stuff growing one the stones I am talking about, is really stuck. I know it is not but it appears to be rooted to the stone. You can't just brush it off. I don't want to do anything to do more harm, as some of these stones are Really in bad shape. Kay > -----Original Message----- > From: mopolk-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:mopolk-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of brenda gardenhire > Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 2:04 PM > To: mopolk@rootsweb.com > Subject: Re: [MOPOLK] Tombstone cleaning > > I recently went to mt gilead in boliver..and just used > water.......and a linen cloth to wipe it...worked good for > me,,,haystak50 >

Kay, I believe that there is great humidity in Missouri and as it is black of color i'd guess it was mildew and a mix of moss lichens. I saw it at Bethlehem Baptist cemetary in Dade County a few years ago and assumed it was mildew. Jim