The necessity of some special Sign to distinguish Individuals, Tribes, and Nations--the Standards of Antiquity--Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian, Greek, and Roman--the Vexillum--The Labarum of Constantine--Invocation of Religion--the Flags of the Enemy--Early Flags of Religious Character--Flags of Saints at Funeral Obsequies--Company and Guild Flags of the Mediæval Period--Political Colours--Various kinds of Flags--the Banner--Rolls of Arms--Roll of Karlaverok--The Flag called the Royal Standard is really the Royal Banner--Mainsail Banners--Trumpet Banners--Ladies embroidering Banners for the Cause--Knights' Banneret--Form of Investiture--the Standard--the Percy Badges and Motto--Arctic Sledge-flags--the Rank governing the size of the Standard--Standards at State Funerals--the Pennon--Knights-Pennonciers--the Pennoncelle--Mr. Rolt as Chief Mourner--Lord Mayor's Show--the Pennant--the Streamer--Tudor Badges--Livery Colours--the Guidon--Bunting--Flag Devising a Branch of Heraldry--Colours chiefly used in Flags--Flags bearing Inscriptions--Significance of the Red Flag--of the Yellow--of the White--of the Black--Dipping the Flag--the Sovereignty of the Sea--Right of Salute insisted on--Political Changes rendering Flags obsolete. So soon as man passes from the lowest stage of barbarism the necessity for some special sign, distinguishing man from man, tribe from tribe, nation from nation, makes itself felt; and this prime necessity once met, around the symbol chosen spirit-stirring memories quickly gather that endear it, and make it the emblem of the power and dignity of those by whom it is borne. The painted semblance of grizzly bear, or beaver, or rattlesnake on the canvas walls of the tepi of the prairie Brave, the special chequering of colours that compose the tartan[1] of the Highland clansman, are examples of this; and as we pass from individual or local tribe to mighty nations, the same influence is still at work, and the distinctive Union Flag of Britain, the tricolor of France, the gold and scarlet bars of the flag of Spain, all alike appeal with irresistible force to the patriotism of those born beneath their folds, and speak to them of the glories and greatness of the historic past, the duties of the present, and the hopes of the future--inspiring those who gaze upon their proud blazonry with the determination to be no unworthy sons of their fathers, but to live, and if need be to die, for the dear home-land of which these are the symbol. {2}