Mantlings, torces, wreaths, palm branches, and other adjuncts are discussed under their several headings--with descriptions and dates of any varieties found. In conclusion a concise index is given, which, it is hoped, sufficiently focuses the whole book for ready reference. [Illustration] [Illustration] AN ATTEMPT TO CLASSIFY AND DATE THE VARIOUS SHAPES FOUND IN HERALDIC SHIELDS--PRINCIPALLY IN ENGLAND, WITH INCIDENTAL DATINGS.[1] It seems necessary, by way of introduction, to say a few words on the circular convex shields used from very early times by our Saxon and Norman ancestors. These were of wood, with a central boss of bronze, and were sometimes of very large size; frequently, if we may judge from contemporaneous illuminations, as much as four feet in diameter. Across the inside of the boss a handle was fixed, and the shields, which were thus held out almost at arm's length, as represented in many ancient MSS., must have been most cumbersome. It is hard to see how the sword or lance could have been conveniently used. The round shape must have interfered greatly with the view of one's opponent, and a bungler would inevitably slice pieces from off his own shield while attacking his enemy. Moreover, such shields must have been lightly made: we know exactly how the bosses were fastened with rivets through the shield, for they are constantly found in Anglo-Saxon grave mounds, and the wood is thus known to have been of some thickness. But we can obtain from contemporary writings many more particulars. By the laws of Gula [said to have been established by Hacon the Good, who died 963] any possessor of six marks was required to furnish himself with a _red_ shield, of two boards in thickness, a spear, and an axe or a sword. In the history of the same king [_Heimskringla_, vol. i, p. 155] he is thus described: "he put on his tunic of mail (brynio), girded round him his sword called quern-bit [_i.e._, millstone-biter], and set on his head his gilded helmet. He took a spear in his hand, and hung his shield _by his side_." Again, in the same book [_Heimskringla_, ii, 352], in the description of the Battle of Sticklastad, where Olaf King of Norway, called "the Saint," was slain 1030, the monarch is said to have worn a golden helmet, a white shield, a golden hilted and exceedingly sharp sword, and a tunic of ringed mail ("hringa brynio"). Again, in the _Edda Gunnar_ one of the Reguli of Germany says, "My helmet and my _white_ shield come from the Hall of Kiars." These quotations are hardly sufficient evidence of it perhaps, but it seems as if in the tenth century _white_ shields were borne by leaders and _red_ ones by the common soldiers,--every one who possessed six marks.