(The same reverse was used for both pieces.)] The order consists of a gold cross shaped out of a circle of conspicuous and pleasing design. The metal is gold, but the surface is enamel-coated. The predominant colouring is white, but a gold edging, a green wreath, and a red centre lend effectiveness to the design. Both faces are decorated, the obverse with a crown, and the reverse with the royal cypher. The ribbon, which is crimson edged with blue, is bounded both top and bottom by a gold bar. The last award to be mentioned here for brave conduct is the Meritorious Service medal, which is now superseded by the "Distinguished Conduct in the Field" medal. This award received royal sanction in 1845 for the Army, and in 1849 for the Marines. The warrant said:-- "We deem it expedient to afford a greater encouragement to the Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers of Our Army who may have distinguished themselves, or who may have given good, faithful, and efficient service. "It is our further will and pleasure that a sum not exceeding £2,000 a year be distributed for the purpose of granting annuities as rewards for distinguished or meritorious service to Sergeants who are now, or who may be hereafter in the Service, either while serving or after discharge with or without pension, in sums not exceeding £20: which may be held during service, and together with pension." The medal earned but little popularity as it was awarded, not only for bravery, but for exemplary conduct in peace times. Now the "Distinguished Conduct in the Field" medal was preferred in cases of bravery, and the "Long Service and Good Conduct" medal was preferred in cases of exemplary conduct: thus its use was limited, and the authorities withdrew it a few years after the first issue. The Long Service and Good Conduct medal was the earliest award which could be earned in times of peace. It was first issued on July 30, 1830, by William IV. The obverse bore a military trophy of arms and the King's escutcheon, whilst the reverse was inscribed "For Long Service and Good Conduct." The most recent copies bear a profile of the royal sovereign on the obverse. The ribbon is crimson. The medal was intended for non-commissioned officers and men who had been discharged in receipt of gratuities after serving twenty-one years in the infantry or twenty-four in the cavalry. To-day, eighteen years' exemplary service only is required, and there is a gratuity of £5 on discharge. Special regulations at the outset affected the granting of the "Long Service" medal to the Marines. The Commandant of the Division of Royal Marines, the warrant ran, may annually recommend a certain number of men of meritorious conduct for the "Good Conduct and Long Service" medal with a gratuity as follows:-- Sergeant who shall have served ten years as such £15. Corporal who shall have served seven years as such, £7. Private, £5.