called in the Malayan language Bolun Upas, is a tree which has often been described by naturalists; but its existence has been very generally doubted, and the descriptions given of it, containing much of the marvellous, have been treated as idle fictions. M. Foersch, however, in an account of it, written in Dutch, asserts that it does exist, that he made the most particular inquiries, and that he found it was situated in the island of Java, about twenty-seven leagues from Batavia. The poison procured from the Upas is said to be a gum, issuing from between the bark and the tree, and brought by malefactors who have been condemned to death.

But a variety of circumstances conspire to prove that Foersch's account of the tree is extremely suspicious. Although he had letters of introduction, he went to no considerable house, and afterwards withdrew amongst the English. The distances given to mark the situation of the tree are not accurate. The execution of criminals is different from what he represents. There were no such disturbances in 1775 as those stated by Foersch, the tract to which he alludes having submitted to the Dutch East India Company as early as 1756. And, lastly, the assertions and pretended facts of Foersch are supported by no collateral evidence. Sir George Staunton, during his stay at Batavia, made the most particular inquiries concerning the Upas, but found that the existence of such a tree had never been known there.