PRIZE QUESTIONS. 461 



banks of tlie Rhine. It would be well also to consider the influence of the dif- 

 ferent floras on the composition of the coal. 



Competition for 1867. — Section ofltistoricaJ, moral, and economical sciences. — 

 History. — The prize will be awarded to the best monograph of an establishment, 

 whether civil or ecclesiastical, such as an abbey, chapter, or city of the depart- 

 ment of the north. The proposed work should have as its basis authenric un- 

 publislied documents, literally reported in the form of a cartulary or body of 

 proofs. It sliould be followed by an index containing the names of places and 

 persons. 



Section of literature and the fine arts. — Painting. — On account of the ex- 

 hibition of painting which is to take place exceptionally at Lille during the 

 present year, the society has decided that the competition for 1S68 pertaining 

 to the section last named shall be a competition in painting, and be assigned by 

 anticipation to 1866. Consequently the prize which would have been awarded 

 in 1868 will be conferred at the close of the exhibition of the present year on 

 tlie author of the painting which shall be judged most worthy by a jury taken 

 from the society or designated by it, 



Architecture — Designs for habitations.* — Of these, three kinds are pro- 

 posed : 1. A hotel of the first class. 2. A private habitation or domicile for a 

 family. 3. A house for rent by apartments. Conformity with the following con- 

 ditions is required : 1. J\[odels or well-executed outlines (plans and elevations) 

 of the three designated kinds of buildings. The principal facade of the hotel 

 should be rendered with the greatest care ; a particular study of any important 

 detail sliould be added. 2. Sketches, plans, and elevations, expressing in a 

 clear and exact manner a system of arrangement of the three types of habita- 

 tions contemplated. It will be allowable, therefore, to unite or to separate 

 them in such arrangement as may be chosen, to divide the plats comprised be- 

 tween the public ways by new walks or free spaces, &c. 



Hotel of the first class. — The approximate expeilse, (not including painting, 

 glazing, and furnishing,) 300,000 francs ; ground-plat, 2,500 square metres ; 

 front on the street, 40- metres. It has not been thought expedient to give a 

 designation of the apartments ; it is not proposed to insist on any disposition, 

 form, or dimension, except the length of front on the street, with a limitation 

 of depth. Even the cost is not fixed in a rigorous manner, although it is indi- 

 cated in order to engage competitors to take into account the merit of relative 

 economy. The liberty allowed shouM not be deemed, however, an abandon-' 

 ment of the fundamental principles of architectural art. The society, on the 

 contrary, recommends the strictest practical observance of it ; but it Avill also 

 regard with favor new ideas and forms, in so far as they shall correspond to the 

 well-considered requirements of a habitation, at once rich, comfortable, and of 

 superior taste. 



Private dweDing. — By this title must be ynderstood a house suitable for a 

 numerous family, the head of which might be engaged in a liberal profession,- 

 and have extensive relations both in business and society. The length of the 

 front on the street may be from 10 to 13 metres, the depth not being prescribed; 

 the expense may be fixed approximately at 300 francs per square metre of the 

 surface covered, (ground-floor and two stories.) As in the preceding case, an 

 indication of the general intention only is submitted, leaving to each competitor 

 the entire merit of originality in his ideas. The modern dwelling should com- 

 prise, without great expenditure, much tastefulness and a comfort but too little 

 sought after by architects. Art should ally itself with science to give the 

 stamp of distinction to our homes, without forgetting, however, that a modest 



* The prize wbich was offered for 1865 having not then been awarded, will be conferised 

 in 18G(3, if deserved; if -not, competition for it will be continued till 1867, but not later. 



