288 Mr Thomas Oxley on Guttn Fercha. 



Stamens inserted into throat of the corolla, in a single 

 series, variable in number, but, to the best of my observa- 

 tion, the normal number is twelve, most generally all fertile ; 

 anthers supported on slender bent filaments, opening by two 

 lateral pores. 



.Ovary superior, terminated by a long simple style, six- 

 celled, each cell containing one seed. 



Leaves about four inches in length, perfect, entire, of a 

 coriaceous consistence, alternate, obovate, lanceolate ; upper 

 surface of a pale green ; under surface covered with close, 

 short, reddish-brown hairs ; midrib projects a little, forming 

 a small process or beak. 



Every exertion of myself and several others have failed in 

 procuring a specimen of the fruit of the Gutta. I regret being 

 compelled to omit the description of it in the present in- 

 stance ; but hope to rectify this omission in a future number 

 of the Journal. It is quite exti-aordinary how difficult it is 

 to obtain specimens of either the flower or the fruit of this 

 tree, and this is probably the reason of its not having been 

 earlier recognised and described by some of the many bota- 

 nists who have visited these parts. 



Only a short time ago the Tuban Tree was tolerably abun- 

 dant on the island of Singapore ; but already all the large 

 timber has been felled, and few, if any, other than small 

 plants are now to be found. The range of its growth, how- 

 ever, appears to be considerable ; it being found all up the 

 Malayan Peninsula, as far as Pinang, where I have ascer- 

 tained it to be abundant; although, as yet, the inhabitants 

 do not seem to be aware of the fact ; sevei-al of the mercan- 

 tile houses there having sent down orders to Singapore for 

 supplies of the article, when they have the means of supply 

 close at hand. The tree is also found in Borneo, and I have 

 little doubt is to be ^ound in most of the islands adjacent. 



The localities it particularly likes are the alluvial tracts 

 along the foot of hills, where it flourishes luxuriantly, form- 

 ing, in many spots, the principal portion of the jungle. But 

 notwithstanding the indigenous character of the tree, its ap- 

 parent abundance and wide-spread diffusion, the Gutta will 

 soon become a very scarce article, if some more provident 



