Before proceeding to discuss in detail the various signs to be met with in the county of Essex, it will be well to point out two cunningly-concealed pitfalls into which the ardent antiquary is likely to fall, unless he is careful to exercise vigilance in avoiding them. The first of these arises from the combination of two different signs into one. Larwood and Hotten speak of such signs being “quartered,” but “impaled” is a much better word, if used in its old heraldic sense. Signs of this kind first began to appear about the beginning of last century, and are still common, although less so than formerly. It is noticeable that Taylor in his _Catalogue of Tavernes_, published in 1636 (see p. 28), does not name a single impaled sign, properly so-called. In some cases, such as the EAGLE AND CHILD, the STAR AND GARTER, the GEORGE AND DRAGON, &c., the connection is at once obvious; but in the great majority no meaning or connection is apparent. In such cases it will be found best not to search too deeply for a meaning, for the good reason that none exists. The mind of Addison seems to have been considerably exercised by the signs of this kind to be seen in his day in the London streets. In an amusing letter to the _Spectator_, in 1710, he professes himself desirous of obtaining office as “Superintendent of Signs,” in order that he might be able to expunge those of an unnatural kind. “My first task, therefore [he says], should be, like that of Hercules, to clear the city from monsters. In the second place, I should forbid that creatures of jarring and incongruous natures should be joined together in the same sign; such as the BELL AND NEAT’S TONGUE, the DOG AND GRIDIRON. The FOX AND THE GOOSE may be supposed to have met; but what have the FOX AND SEVEN STARS to do together? And when did the LION AND DOLPHIN ever meet except upon a sign-post? As for the CAT AND FIDDLE, there is a conceit in it; and I, therefore, do not intend that anything that I have here said should affect it.” Further on, he makes it plain to us how some of these strange combinations arose. “I must, however, observe to you upon this subject [says he], that it is usual for a young tradesman, at his first setting up, to add to his own sign that of the master whom he served, as the husband, after marriage, gives a place to his mistress’s arms in his own coat. This I take to have given rise to many of those absurdities which are committed over our heads; and, as I am informed, first occasioned the THREE NUNS AND A HARE, which we see so frequently joined together.”