=The Transition Period= brought helmets which, by reason of their movable visors, cheek-pieces, and mentonnières, gave greater safety to the head. But the period is more readily distinguished by the mail skirt, which was worn suspended from the waist. Of this period Ashdown writes: "Very important alterations occurred in armour of this period, differentiating it from that of the preceding. The great pauldrons, exaggerated coudières, and general angularity, and one might almost say prickliness, of the later Tabard Period was modified to a smoother and rounder style, while it lost entirely that remarkable beauty of form which, however much distorted by fanciful additions, characterized the Gothic armour as a whole. The beautiful flutings and ornamental curves disappeared to make way for a heavy, cumbersome style indicative of German stolidity, and in direct antagonism to the mobile quickness and agility suggested by the majority of suits dating from the latter half of the previous century."[10] [10] "British and Foreign Arms and Armour," p. 270. =Maximilian Armour.=--With the gradual employment of gunpowder even the best kinds of armour lost their military value, and, consequently, the sixteenth century saw a decline in the use of steel suits for purposes of warfare. There was no reason, however, why steel-clad men should not continue to be seen at tilting tournaments, even though the arquebus had proved its value in dealing death and destruction. Consequently we find that armour was still used during this century at these functions of chivalry, and it was the kind favoured by Emperor Maximilian which was mostly worn--hence the name. Its outstanding features were excessive ornamentation and artistic finish. =The Half-Armour Period.=--This is the period during which steel dress was gradually dying out. "The period exhibits a brutal strength and crudity in armour which forcibly suggests boiler-plate work. The defences were simply made to cover the vital parts of the body with the maximum amount of efficiency, without any consideration whatever for gracefulness of outline or beauty of surface."[11] The metal covering of these times was obviously fashioned with the idea of making a compromise between protection and mobility, and it gradually dwindled until the head alone was safeguarded. [11] Ashdown, "British and Foreign Arms and Armour," p. 313. So passed away the armour which, as James I once said, was a very useful invention, for it saved not only the wearer from being killed, but it was so hampering that it prevented him from killing any one else. * * * * * Many technical terms are used in armoury which need explaining. The following are those which occur most frequently:-- =Barded.=--A horse fully armoured. =Bascinet.=--A helmet which protected the back of the head and neck.