Microbiological studies were conducted on whole-round core samples taken from 15 core sections from 401 to 1391 mbsf. Gabbro, olivine gabbro, and dunitic troctolite were all sampled. In an effort to establish a culture collection of endolithic microbes, four different types of media, as well as agar plates, were inoculated with portions of these core samples. Growth was observed from two samples based on a positive fluorescence test. However, due to the autofluorescence of rock particles, the presence of microorganisms can neither be confirmed nor denied until a shore-based molecular analysis of cultures is undertaken.