ON THE VEGETATION OF MALAYSIA. 



By the Rev. J. E. Tenison-Woods, F.L.S., F.G.S., 



Hon. Member Royal Asiatic Society (Straits Branch). 



(Plates i.-ix.) 



The following essay being meant for the European residents of 

 the Straits Settlements, technicalities are avoided, and explanations 

 given which would not be necessary if it were addressed to a 

 strictly scientific class of readers. In the absence of any pub- 

 lished description of the flora, the figures given must be understood 

 to be approximate only. The whole review of the vegetation is 

 founded on my own observations aided by collections made in 

 company with the Rev. B. Scortechini, or during my own subse- 

 quent travels. 



Though the essay is said to be confined to the flora of Malaysia 

 and deals principally with what may be considered the very heart 

 of the region, it must be borne in mind that some portions of it 

 are little known. Yet in a general Avay the floras of the countries 

 around are well-known. Thus we are fairly well acquainted with 

 the flora of Burmah as well as that of Siam, Cochin China, 

 Cambodia or Tonquin. The Australian region to the south is as 

 well known as any in the world. New Guinea has recently disclosed 

 some of the secrets of its vegetation ; therefore a general review of 

 the flora of Malaysia ought to be easy to make without much risk 

 of error. 



Geographical Limits. — Of the Malay Peninsula no more is 

 here included than the portion south of lat. 5° 30' N. This is 

 its broadest part and includes many varieties of soil and climate. 

 A few preliminary words are necessary as to — (1) The Physical 

 Geography ; (2) Geology ; (3) Climate of this region. 



