NAMED RAFFLESIA. 393

a parasite, though highly probable, cannot ])e considered as absolutely ascertained.^

��ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS.

Read November 21st, 1820.

Since my paper on Bafllesia, or the Great Flower of Sumatra, was read to the Society, further information re- specting it has been received from Sir Stamford Raffles and Mr. Jack, which will form an important addition to my former account.

Sir Stamford, in a letter to Mr. Marsclen, states the fol- lowing particulars :

I find the Krubut or Great Flower to be much more general and more extensively known than I expected. In some districts it is simply called Amhun Ambun. It seems to spring from the horizontal roots of those immense Climb- ers, which are attached like cables to the largest trees in the forest. AVe have not yet met with the leaves. The fruit also is still a desideratum. It is said to be a many- seeded berry, the seeds being found in coimection with the processes on the summit of the pistillum. I have had buds brought in from Manna, Sillibar, the interior of Bencoolen and Laye : and in two or three months we expect the full- blown flower. It takes three months from the first appear- ance of the bud to the full expansion of the flower ; and the flower appears but once a year, at the conclusion of the rainy season."

The first communication from my friend ]\Ir. Jack con- [c^o sisted of a description of recent flower-buds, at that time regarded by him as hermaphrodite, but which he has since ascertained to be male. It is unnecessary to introduce this

' Annals of Philosopliy for September 1820, p. 225.

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