PRIZE QUESTIONS. 407 
Society requests the exact determination, at different temperatures, of at least 
fifty bodies soluble in water. 
8. Of several plants, for instance, Aesculus hippocastanum, Amygdalus com- 
munis, Quercus pedunculata, Tilia parvifolia et grandifolia, Geranium, &c., a 
certain quantity of the ovules do not become developed. It is desirable that 
the cause of this constant anomaly should be explained by microscopic re- 
searches, illustrated by figures. These researches should comprise at least ten 
species of plants. 
9. In volumetric researches the condensation of gases on surfaces exercises 
an embarrassing influence, inasmuch as the deficiency of precise data of such 
condensation at different temperatures and different pressures does not permit 
us to apply the necessary corrections. ‘The Society solicits new researches on 
this important question. 
10. Determinations of the temperature of deep stagnant waters (lacs) at dif- 
ferent depths. 
11. A minute description, based on new experiments, of fecundation in the 
family of the Graminex. An exact answer is sought to the following questions : 
a. Do the anthers open before, after, or at the moment of the separation of 
the glumellz (paleze?) 
6. Is the pollen strewn upon the stigmas before, after, or at the moment of 
the separation of the glumelle ? 
ce. Does this separation of the glumelle influence the descent of the pollen 
upon the stigmas? 
d. What exterior causes may facilitate or prevent this descent of the pollen 
upon the stigmas ? 
e. Do the stigmas secrete a matter qualified to retain the grains of pollen ? 
J By what route do the pollenary tubes descend towards the embryonic 
sack ¢ 
These researches should comprise, in the first place, wheat, barley, rye, oats, 
and next as large a number as possible of other plants pertaining to different 
classes of the family of Graminez. 
The Society would recall to mind that last year it proposed the following 
questions to be answered before the first of January 1866 : 
1. A complete embryology of the Squalus spinax and the Squalus acanthias, 
from the egg in the ovary to the complete formation of the young fish. 
2. A critical nomenclature of the Annulata and Turbellaria, which are found 
in the interior and on the coasts of the Netherlands, based upon new researches. 
3. A comparative myology of the anterior members of reptiles and of birds, 
with reference to the denomination of the corresponding or homologous muscles 
in mammifers, and especially in man. 
4. The form of the figures, named after Lichtenberg, whether produced by 
positive or negative electricity, being different, a new and satisfactory explana- 
tion of that difference is requested. 
5. Researches are invited on the molecular change produced in the wires of 
different metals by the sustained action of an electric current as strong as is 
possible without producing fusion. 
6. A complete embryology of the Lepas anatifera. 
7. A comparative anatomical description of the remains of birds which are 
found in different geological formations. 
8. The origin of several rocks being still unknown to us, the Society wishes 
that at least one rock, at the choice of the author, should be examined with a 
view of deciding whether it has been deposited from a solution in water, or 
formed by the solidification of a mass melted by heat. 
9. The preparation of solid carbonic acid presenting no longer any difficulty, 
or danger, a complete examination is needed of its physical properties. 
10. A microscopic and chemical examination is requested of the matter, dif- 
