328 Chronicles of Science. [April, 



The general demonstration of a focus distinct from the germinal 

 vesicle round which the first materials of the germ group themselves, 

 extensively modifies our knowledge of the manner in which the rudi- 

 ments of an organism is formed. It opens out, therefore, a way to 

 studies which will enable us to penetrate nearer the origin of living 

 beings. 



Another prize has also been awarded to M. Gerbe, for his disco- 

 very of the reproduction of Kolpods. In his researches on the em- 

 bryology of marine Crustacea he observed that the kolpods connected 

 themselves by pairs, after the manner of the conjugation of confervse. 

 Following this conjunction, unique in the animal kingdom as far as is 

 known at present, he has shown that in the common matrix formed by 

 the fusion of the two individuals of each couple, the reproductive organ 

 of each is divided into two, and four reproductive ovules are thus formed 

 in the matrix, which then dies. These oviform germs are soon dis- 

 engaged, showing living and moving kolpods, in precisely the same 

 manner as does the newly-born conferva. It will be seen that M. 

 Gerbe's observations supply us with an analogy between the genera- 

 tion of animals and that of plants. 



Prizes of 3,000 francs are offered for the following subjects, the 

 essays to be sent in by November 1st of the present year : — 1st. An 

 inquiry whether in those animals of which the eggs are impregnated 

 after they are laid, hybrid products can result from a mixture of 

 animals of species not nearly allied ; also, whether the vitality of these 

 abnormal productions so obtained is in relation with the degree of 

 heterogeneity of their parents ; by which experiments it is hoped that 

 interesting results may be obtained on the subject of the fecundity of 

 hybrids, and of the degree of fixity of their zoological characters. 

 2nd. A comparative study of the nervous centres of the encephalon of 

 fishes, in order to demonstrate rigorously the analogies and differences 

 which exist between their functions in fishes and the higher mam- 

 malia, and to throw light on the zoological affinities between the 

 different species of fishes themselves, and furnish fresh data for 

 their classification. 3rd. An osteographical work which shall most 

 contribute to the advancement of French Palaeontology, either by 

 making better known the anatomical characters of one or more types 

 of vertebrata, and in thus furnishing important elements for the study 

 of tertiary faunas ; or treating in an exhaustive manner of the fossils 

 which belong to one of the least known classes of this great branch of 

 the animal kingdom. 



While referring to prizes, it may be mentioned that the Eoyal 

 Society of Edinburgh offer a Neill prize, consisting of a gold medal 

 and a sum of money for a paper of distinguished merit on a subject 

 of natural history by a Scottish naturalist, which shall have been pre- 

 sented to the Society during the three years preceding May 1st, 1865 ; 

 or, failing presentation of a paper sufficiently meritorious, it will be 

 awarded for a work or publication by some distinguished Scottish 

 naturalist, on some branch of natural history, bearing date within five 

 years of the time of award (viz. the commencement of the session 

 1865-6). 



