Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/615

284 (The reward of cultivated intellect.) It was distributed in gold among literary men.

The same Grand Duke instituted, besides the above, another small medal with the inscription on the reverse 'Meritis nobilis' (Ennobled by merit) surrounded by an oaken wreath. It was to be appended to the ribbon of the Falcon Order. Since 1329, however, the medal forms an independent decoration; is distributed in gold and in silver, and is worn at the buttonhole, by a ribbon of the national colour.

Each of the above medals remains, after the decease of the person decorated, the property of his family, who are, however; not allowed to dispose of it except to government, for which they receive the intrinsic value of the metal.

The Grand Duke Charles Frederick likewise instituted gold, silver, and bronze medals, which show on the obverse his effigy, and on the reverse the words: 'Dem Verdienste' (To merit), surrounded by an oaken wreath. 'They are equally worn at the button-hole, suspended by a ribbon of the national colour.