LARGEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD.
The Rafflesia Arnoldi is a strange plant; it grows in Sumatra, and derives its name from Sir Stamford Raffles, governor of Sumatra at one time, and his friend, the naturalist Dr. Arnold. They were the first white men to discover this wonderful plant. It is said to be the largest and most magnificent flower in the world. It is composed of five roundish petals, each a foot across, and of a brick red color, covered with numerous irregular yellowish-white swellings; the petals surround a cup nearly a foot wide, the margin of which bears stamens. This cup is filled with a fleshy disc, the upper surface of which is everywhere covered with projections, like miniature cows' horns. The cup, when free from its contents, would hold about twelve pints of water. The flower weighs fifteen pounds; it is very thick, the petals being from three-quarters to an inch in thickness. With its beauty one is led to expect sweetness; but, alas! its odor is that of tainted beef; and Dr. Arnold supposed that even the flies were deceived by the smell and were depositing their eggs in the thick disc, taking it for a piece of carrion.—N. Y. World.