a parasite, though highly probable, cannot be considered as absolutely ascertained.[1]
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS.
Read November 21st, 1820.
Since my paper on Rafllesia, or the Great Flower of Sumatra, was read to the Society, further information respecting 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 Krûbut or Great Flower to be much more general and more extensively known than I expected. In some districts it is simply called Ambun Ambun. It seems to spring from the horizontal roots of those immense Climbers, which are attached like cables to the largest trees in the forest. We 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 connection 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 appearance 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 Mr. Jack consisted [229 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.
