128 ANCIENT MEMORIAL BRASSES OF DORSET. 



failed to find another similar. I would ask you to compare 

 the free and exact sweep of the letters and figures of the 

 Martin brass at Piddleton with the halting outline of these 

 Fleet examples, particularly the letter curves with their very 

 ragged edges. 



The ground appears to differ from the engraved type, the 

 depressions are shelving, not upright, nor in the least 

 undercut ; if the graver was exclusively used for these brasses 

 the letters and numerals are most carelessly cut, and yet the 

 effigies, table, &c., are finely done, having fine cross-hatching, 

 thus militating against the idea that the roughness is that of 

 a careless craftsman ; but is possibly due to the process 

 employed. Why should the floor of cavities be very fairly 

 smooth, if the graver is allowed such licence in outlining ? 

 Further data and examples must be obtained before one can 

 speak with certainty, but I think Mr. Cliffs observations 

 are deserving of the most careful consideration, especially as 

 etching is known to have been discovered in the early part 

 'of the 16th century. Francesco Mazzuoli, who lived from 

 1503 to 1540 ( Vatari, Vol. III., pp. 508 and 356), is credited 

 with first using acid-bitten plates. 



Heraldry. 



1. On a shield of arms, above effigies. G-ules, a maunch 

 ermine, the hand proper holding a fleur de Us within a 

 bordure or, a crescent for difference Mohun ; impaling, 

 a chevron between three lozenges, on a chief an eagle 

 displayed. Hide. Over the shield appears, " Insignia 

 Mohun et Hide." 



2. On a shield of arms above effigies. Quarterly 1st 

 and 4th, Mohun ; 2nd, Hide ; 3rd. a lion rampant 

 debruised with a bendlet, a crescent for difference, 

 Churchill. 



3. On a shield of arms over the marble slab. Mohun, 

 impaling Argent, on a chevron gules three martlets, and 

 a rose on a canton. Sheldon. 



