e
outside of the mantle, hanging over the dexter shoulder, the paternal
arms of the femme on the lining of the mantle turned outwards on the
sinister side of the figure.

The reader will find, by referring to the word TOURNAMENT in the
Dictionary, that Heraldry formed the great embellishment of that
animated and costly amusement: and that the attainment of heraldic
honours was the only means of gaining permission to join in it, and
by this means only was a passport obtained to high society. These
honours, which cost some trouble in gaining, could be lost by
misconduct. Arms were forfeited for uncourteous demeanour, disregard
of authority, falsehood, oppression, and ungentlemanly conduct; and
there can be little doubt but, in a semi-barbarous age, when prowess
in the field of battle was considered the highest acomplishment, that
the dread of a blot on the escutcheon, or a reversal of the shield of
arms, restrained many a proud baron in his tyrannical proceedings
to those beneath him, and tended to keep down the insolence of the
upstart favourites of royalty. Heraldry tended to soften and polish
the manners, and, by the introduction of the manufacture of silken
housings tapestry, and carpeting, to increase the comforts and
pleasures of society, and compelled those who were anxious to exhibit
the insignia of gentility, to seek distinction by other means than
rapine and violence.

The term Canting Heraldry frequently occurs in ancient and modern
authors. It is a term of contempt and derision, applied to symbolic
bearings that are assumed without the authority of the Heralds'
College. In many cases they allude to the name or occupation of the
bearer: the motto is probably a pun upon the figures contained in the
shield, or some technical expression used by the parties in their
agricultural or commercial pursuits.

No person, when heraldry was in its greatest repute, dared assume any
cognizance or bearing without permission of the Earl Marshal or the
Kings-at-Arms. Any individuals, who presumed, by assumption, to offend
the laws of the court of honour, were liable to heavy fines and
personal duresse, which in many instances have been rigidly enforced.

THE END.

* * * * *

AUGUST, 1862.

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