1. 1. A crude extract catalyzing the decarboxylation of 6-methylsalicyclic acid has been isolated from Penicillium patulum. 2. 2. Culture conditions which lead to the formation of decarboxylase activity are described. 3. 3. No other activity metabolizing 6-methylsalicylic acid can be detected in vitro with extracts containing the decarboxylase. 4. 4. The decarboxylase has a broad pH optimum between 7 and 8, and the Km for 6-methylsalicylic acid is 7 μM. Decarboxylase activity is eluted from a Bio-Gel A5m column at a position corresponding to a Stokes radius of about 30 Å. © 1969.