12 HERALDRY. 



When a new design is the result of rational improve- 

 ments it first becomes the fashion with those who understand 

 horses and carriages, and then with the general public. The 

 case is reversed when dealers, with the sole object of creat- 

 ing some novelty, introduce a bizarre form or pattern. Un- 

 thinking persons may be attracted by it for the moment ; 

 since, however, it is without any serviceable or redeeming 

 qualities, its place is soon taken by some new commercial bait. 



A fashion should possess enough freshness and originality 

 to satisfy any reasonably active mind, and may easily be at- 

 tained by new combinations without creating such things as 

 are without reason, appropriateness or relationship. " Every- 

 thing partaking of a sham, also, that is wanting in real 

 excellence, will be discarded by persons desiring to obtain 

 credit for correct taste." 



HERALDRY. 



That form of pretension which makes evident the intent 

 to deceive, and under such conditions the arrogance of an 

 individual, calls forth, especially from those whom he most 

 desires to impress, the severest condemnation and ridicule. 



In the matter of heraldic display, the upstart " rushes 

 in where angels fear to tread." By a bungling self-assump- 

 tion of honors, he goes to an extreme that makes the contrast 

 with a conveniently forgotten past so conspicuous, that his 

 flowery present excites a desire on the part of the public to 

 become familiar with the life history of so great a member of 

 the community. Herbert Spencer, in the Westminster 

 Review^ 1854, says: "Coats of arms, which served to dis- 

 tinguish men in battle, now figure on the carriage panels of 

 retired tradesmen. Once a badge of high military rank, the 



