These interesting light-givers are perhaps more common than we are aware of, from the fact that nocturnal investigations in the woods are not frequent, nearly all the discoveries being the result of accident. A small, luminous fungus has been observed in the Andaman Islands. Gandichand found one in Manilla, while Dr. Hooker, as we have seen, refers to the presence of one in the Sikkim Himalayas. These curious families of fungi are not only ornamental, but useful. In European countries the common mushroom[46] enjoys the widest popularity as an esculent, especially the cultivated varieties. The meadow mushroom is scarcely inferior, though stronger in flavor, and is preferred by many to the cultivated species. In France the champignon is largely eaten; and in Austria a kind which has no admirers in England finds a constant place in the markets during the summer. Truffles and morels are favorites not only in Europe, but also in the vales of Cashmere, where two or three species of morels are dried for consumption throughout the year. The great puff-ball is increasing in reputation as a breakfast delicacy in Great Britain, while the chantarelle and the hedgehog fungus are esteemed by many. Numerous other species are more or less eaten by mycophagists, although they are never found in the public markets. A species of _Boletus_, cut in slices and dried, may be purchased throughout the year in most of the Continental cities. In Tahiti the Jew’s ear[47] is dried in large quantities and exported to China; while a species of agaric comes into the markets of Singapore, and another dried agaric is sent from the Cabul hills and the plains of north-western India. Several species of _Cyttaria_ are eaten in the southern parts of South America, and in Australia a native kind[48] is a favorite article of food. Indeed, a very long catalogue might be made of the species which are more or less consumed in different parts of the world. The cultivation of fungi for esculent purposes has not hitherto been successful with any other species than the ordinary mushroom. Attempts were made in France to cultivate truffles, at first apparently with considerable promise, but ultimately without much satisfaction. There is no good reason to suppose it impossible or improbable that many species might be devoted to experiments in that direction. Some species of _Polyporus_ have been employed as styptics, or beaten till soft and used as amadon. One species in Burmah has a good reputation as an anthelmintic. Some species of _Polysaccum_ and _Geaster_ are employed medicinally in China. Species of _Elaphomyces_ were at one time supposed to possess great virtues now deemed apocryphal. Ergot, developed on rye, wheat, and the germen of various grasses, still maintains its position in the pharmacopœia; but is almost the only fungus now employed, and that sparingly, by the legitimate medical practitioner.