Few people,properly understand heraldic terms, and before entering into a detailed discussion of the Armorial Bearings and Devices Illustrarwed on this coloured plate, a few words as to what actually constitutes a *Coat-of-Arms ” may not be out of place.

Tn the language of Heraldry, a “Coat-of-Arms” ‘is known as an “‘ Achievement,”’ and consists of five component parts, namely, the Arms, Crest, Motto, Wreath, and Mantling. Some Coats possess sixth component part, Supporters. By the expression "Arms” is meant the actual shield itself, with the charges On top of the shield is placed the “hell,” or helmet. On top of the helmet is placed the ‘‘ Crest,” In the olden days it used to be the custom to hide the junction of the crest and the helmet by a twisted rope of loured silk, and this is known as the “Wreath,” and can he recognised as the “sausage-shaped ” piece of rope that may be seen under almost every crest.

The flowery-shaped embellishment that can generally be seen on each side of the shield and crest is called the "Mantling,” and, in ancient days, is supposed to have had.two purposes—to keep the sum off the wearer and to entangle the swords of his adversaries, Coming out of action, a Knight who had been heavily engaged would have his mantling slashed to ribbons, and  his is supposed to have given ancient artists the idea of showing it flowered and scrolled. The motto is believed to have been the War Cry or “Cri-de-Guerre.” Supporters are either animals or human figures, which stand on either side of the shield and hold it up, such as the Lien and Unicorn in the modern Royal Arms. [BOP]