Fungus Gathering.

—When Mr. Chew Chong first arrived in New Plymouth, says the Taranaki Herald, it was said that he would be able to obtain but little fungus, as it would not pay to gather. It appears, however, that persons were mistaken in their surmises, for, as it now turns out, fungus-gathering is likely to prove a profitable industry for some timo to come. We learn that Mr.Chong paid away on Saturday last, between £60 and £70 for the fungus, that wa3sbrought into town, and lie was informed that large quantities would bo in d:;ing the week. From what we can gather respecting thi collecting of fungus, wo learn th.it in bush clearings it is vory plentiful, and a man can gather from two to five packs full in a day. The price paid for it is six shillings the sack, so the wages made is at the rate of from 12s. to 30s. per day. Tho Maoris are the principal parties who have devoted their attention to gathering it at present; but European, seeing the profitable nature of the industry, are also busy at work collecting it. The fungus required is said to thrive well on the fallen tawa tree.New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2406, 11 October 1871, Page 3