Since King Arthur is supposed to have lived in the fifth or
sixth century it seems strange to me that he should have been
supplied with a shield bearing a device of a so much later
period. Since I know nothing of heraldry, I have been much
puzzled by this, and would be very grateful for an explanation.
I should like to mention three books which I enjoyed so much
when I read them that I am sure they would be appreciated by
many. They are Miss Yonge's "Dove in the Eagle's Nest," and a
"Chaplet of Pearls," and the "Caged Lion."

Wishing THE GREAT ROUND WORLD continued success,

I remain your devoted reader,
KATHERINE P.
NEW YORK CITY, May 26, 1897.

MY DEAR KATHERINE:

In reference to your question about the fleur-de-lis on King Arthur's
shield.

It can have no heraldic meaning whatever, because armorial bearings were
not in use in England until long after the Norman Conquest.

The kings and the great barons chose certain devices for their seals; but
the same device was not used by the members of a family, nor was it handed
from father to son, until armorial bearings came into use.

The use of the fleur-de-lis is not of French origin.

It was used as an ornament on the sceptres, seals, and robes, not only of
the French kings, but of Greek, Roman, German, Spanish, and English kings,
and was a symbol employed by many noble families in various parts of
Europe.

Particular symbols have in all ages been assumed by various families of
mankind, civilized and uncivilized, but they have nothing whatever to do
with heraldry.

King Arthur was a legendary person, and his story is sung alike by the
bards of Wales and the minstrels of France.

According to the Welsh legends he was born in Wales, and went over to
Brittany in France, where he fought some of his famous battles.

According to the Breton (French) legends, he was the son of one of the
early Britons who fled to France at the time of the Saxons. He was born in
Brittany, and with the help of the Bretons went back to England and
wrested his kingdom from the Saxon's hands.

The reason for the fleur-de-lis on the shield may therefore be that the
sculptor chose to pin his faith to the Breton legend of the hero, and
therefore placed the symbol of France on the shield. EDITOR.

The State of Montana has just adopted THE GREAT ROUND WORLD for use in all