414 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
of Acclimatization, wliich was founded February lOtb, 1854. 
Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire was chosen president. 
That the object was worthy the attention of a true philo¬ 
sopher will appear from a moments consideration how mise¬ 
rably we should fare in Europe were we compelled to trust to 
our own national resources; once more we should have to 
dig up acorns, and to live by the produce of the chase. The 
vine comes from Asia Minor; the Romans brought as the 
spoils of war the peach, the cherry, and the apricot. Strange 
to say, no sooner did the Romans cease to be aggressive than 
they went back in civilisation, and even lost their prenous 
aequisitions. But, on the other hand, the Arabians esta¬ 
blished themselves in Spain and in the south of France, 
bringing thither, not only cotton (which they were the first 
to introduce), but the plants used at the present day in 
dyeing and in medicine. 
Subsequently the society received the especial patronage 
of the Emperor Napoleon, under the title of Imperial Society. 
It has members residing in every part of the globe, and has 
done much towards the introduction of useful new plants 
and animals. Since then, too, similar societies have been 
established in London, Glasgow, Palermo, Melbourne, and 
Sydney. 
As an incentive to individual exertion, the society offers 
three classes of rewards, open to universal competition. 
The prizes are awarded, irrespective of membership or 
nationality, to any one who shall have merited the dis¬ 
tinction— 
I. For the introduction of species, races, or useful varie¬ 
ties, whether of animals or vegetables. 
II. For the acclimatization, domestication, propagation, 
and amelioration of species, races, or varieties, whether ani¬ 
mal or vegetable; whether, secondly, adapted for useful 
employment, or simply accessory, or for ornament. 
'Mil. For the application, agricultural, industrial, medici¬ 
nal, or otherwise, of animals or vegetables reeently intro¬ 
duced, acclimatized, or propagated; or of their produets. 
Encouragement by way of gift or prize is also offered for 
successful serviee rendered by those employed by the society, 
in addition to any salary they may receive.^^ 
Surely in all this there is much that is suggestive and 
highly commendable, while it comes home to us as a pro¬ 
fession, calling upon us for co-operation. 
