IMPERIAL SOCIETY'S BULLETIN. 343 



culture, leech-culture, pearl- culture, the introduction of 

 new animals and vegetable productions, and a host of 

 matters which cannot be readily enumerated, let him 

 consult the Bulletin -of this Society. 



Moreover, it is exercising a most happy influence in 

 bringing together and fusing the various ranks of the 

 French people themselves. Its roll of three thousand 

 members comprises men of every shade of opinion, men 

 of leisure and men of science, simple citizens and the 

 illustrious of the land, men of yesterday and men of 

 ancient family; so that it is, as it were, a compend of 

 all French intelligence France in miniature, but France 

 without division, and in perfect union. 



The charm which has effected such a marvel is sim- 

 ple. It is the aiming at a common object, and the call- 

 ing in of science to aid in realising a noble idea. In 

 such an association, originating in love of humanity, 

 nationalities commingle, classes are effaced, prejudices 

 disappear, and enmities are extinguished. And thus, 

 to use the beautiful similitude of M. Drouhyn de Lhuys, 

 like many sailors, setting out from divers distant shores, 

 they arrive at the same port, led by the same guiding 

 star. In order that it may not be supposed that all this 

 is too much couleur de rose, we must give some details 

 in explanation of the nature of the Society's operations. 



In the Bulletin of the Imperial Society, February 

 1864, the following extraordinary prizes are offered : 



1. Complete domestication and application to agri- 

 culture, or to home work, of the Hemione (Equus He- 

 mionus) or Dauw (E. Burchellii). Medal of 1000 francs. 



2. Introduction and domestication of the Dromee 

 (Casoar of New Holland, Dromaius Novce Hollandice) or 

 the Nanitou (American ostrich). Medal of 1500 francs. 



3. Acclimatisation in Europe or Algeria of a wax-pro- 

 ducing insect other than the bee. Medal of 1000 francs. 



4. Creation of new varieties of Chinese Ignamas 

 (Dioscorea batatas] superior to those we have, and of 

 more easy cultivation. Medal of 500 francs. 



