38 
IMEMOIK OF 
is inserted by numerous membranaceous sheaths 
which surround it in successive layers, and expand 
as the bud enlarges, until at length they form a cop 
round its base. These sheaths or bracts are large, 
round, concave, of a firm membranaceous consistence, 
and of a brown colour. The bud before expansion 
is depressed, round, with five obtuse angles, nearly 
a foot in diameter, and of a deep dusky red. The 
flower, when fully expanded, is, in point of size, the 
wonder of the vegetable kingdom ; the breadth across, 
from the top of the one petal to the top of the other, 
is three feet. The cup may be estimated capable of 
containing twelve pints, and the weight of the whole 
is from twelve to fifteen pounds. The inside of the 
cup is of ap intense purple, and more or less dense- 
ly yellow, with soft flexible spines of the same co- 
lour. Towards the mouth, it is marked with nu- 
merous depressed spots of the purest white, con- 
trasting strongly with the purple of the surrounding 
substance, which is considerably elevated on the 
lower side. The petals are of a brick-red, with nu- 
merous pustular spots of a lighter colour. The whole 
substance of the flower is not less than half an inch 
thick, and of a firm fleshy consistence. It soon af- 
ter expansion begins to give out a smell of decaying 
animal matter. The fruit never bursts, but the 
whole plant gradually rots away, and the seeds mix 
w'ith the putrid mass. 
“ There is nothing more striking in the Malayan 
forests, than the grandeur of the vegetation. The 
