218 
very small natural difference between these two genera. : This species 
is thus a described by Berkeley (translated and abridged from 
: * Sub-hemispherical, cup-shaped, expanded, lobed, densely 
* villous exveetielly with grey hairs, disk purplish- brown.’ 
“It is of various sizes and, ee almost add, of shapes; some 
measuring a few inches, aud when w et filling. a large teacup or small 
i ge dry n 
growing on the trunks of many trees, both on living and on rotten ones 
(especially ou the latter while landing), particularly on Corynocarpus 
lævigata and on Melicytus ramiflorus, both of these trees being endemic 
as to genus as well as- to species; the former tree is mostly confined to 
the sea-shore, where it often forms dense and continuous thickets. In 
such situations it is .generally cf small size, but when standing apart it 
is of much 1 rger dimensions, and not unfrequently in suitable spots it 
wears an imposing appearance from its large green and glossy persistent 
laurellike leaves. "The latter tree is scattered plentifully throughout 
the country, and the foliage of both being evergreen, are eagerly 
browsed on by cattle. 
“The only market for this fungus is China. From official information 
obtained from Hong Kong, we find that it is largely used by the Chinese 
in soups with farinaceous seeds, and also as a medicine, being highly 
esteemed, The Chinese have long been in the habit of using another 
specics of this same genus that is indigenous in North China, and also 
of importing another species from other isles in the Pacific ; so that the 
use of this kind of fun ungus as an article of food is not new with them 
to learn something m om this aneient, highly-civilised, and much- 
injured people 
* * * * * 
“At t first, and for some oii eid Arad Zealand fungus was only aor 
in small quantities. The demand, however, rapidly increasing, and the 
good and sound for a very long 
the Willectors for it was originally small, only 
ld. a | pound ; at this icd it remained for some time. It is now nomi- 
TUS usd which sum, however, is often paid in barter.* 
x is said to be sold i the China shops at about 10d. or more retail. 
"p the rice obtained » the exporter, but 
we find that its declared value at the Customs has ranged from 
huc to nearly 537. per ton, which no doubt is much under the real 
* During the last 12 years no E than 1,858 tona of this fungus have 
been exported, valued at 7 m as is more particularly shown in the 
* I should, however, mention that in the spring of 1883 a large party of xem 
residing on the West Coast, near Mount E bnt, wh ho had f Ue sonis UE Dio 
collecting and storing fungus there, sold the lot to an Auckland agent and genie 
dealer, but took the whole total sum, upwards of 425/., in bard cash. 
