JEW S EARS, I 79 



the shops after the rate of tenpence per pound, or 

 more, retail. The declared value in the customs 

 returns has ranged from ;^33 to £^^ per ton, which, 

 doubtless, is under the real value. 



Fromx 1872 to 1883, or during twelve years, the 

 exports from New Zealand were no less than 1858 

 tons, valued at i^79,752, and in one year, that of 1882, 

 the declared value of the exports was i^i 5,581. 



A recent chemical analysis of this fungus in its air- 

 dried condition has shown that it is singularly poor in 

 albuminoid, or muscle-forming substances, and differs 

 remarkably in this respect from the numerous edible 

 fungi previously examined. The chief constituent of 

 what are called the digestible carbohydrates (70 per 

 cent, of which are present) is a gum-like body allied to 

 bassorin. It swells up greatly in water, and is soluble 

 in dilute warm solutions of caustic alkalis. Its solu- 

 tions gelatinize in cooling. This is the mucilaginous 

 property for which it may be assumed that it is 

 chiefly valued, and which always has a fascination 

 with the Chinese. 



A parcel of the dried fungus was sent to the 

 International Exhibition of 1862 from Singapore, as 

 an article of food, but without any definite information. 

 It was the European, and not the Australasian 

 species, but whence derived it is impossible to say ; 

 doubtless it had been imported into Singapore for 

 sale to the Chinese. 



The other " Jew's ears," above alluded to, known as 



