THE WORK OF FLOWERS 115 



which bears balloon-like flowers, so big that children 

 .metimes draw them over their heads, for fun, like 



is ''R he Palm for size 



is a Rafflesia 1 found in the island of Sumatra. 



RAFFLESIA FLOWER. 



This plant is a parasite; it does not draw its nourish- 

 ment from the soil, but sends its roots into the trailing 

 tern of a vine, and feeds on it. Living upon another 

 not a fine manner of life; and we all speak with 

 contempt of "parasites." 



The flower blooms close down on the Vine-stem, with 

 alk. It is very thick and fleshy; and is said to 

 1 Rafflesia Arnoldi. 



