1891-92.] 387 



— no longer exists. National and regimental emblems alone 

 are now used in modern warfare. The science of military em- 

 blems, however, which heraldry really was in the beginning, 

 soon became of general application to all who were in any way 

 entitled to bear coat armour. But it is not alone in its warlike 

 aspect that heraldry may have a use and convey a meaning. 

 " Peace hath her victories no less renowned than war," and her 

 triumphs and aspirations are as capable of being depicted by 

 signs which preach a lesson, as those pertaining exclusively to 

 battles and bloodsheds ; her emblems, drawn from other sources, 

 grace the escutcheons of our noblest citizens, and fitly symbolise 

 their successes, and many persons who profess to despise 

 heraldry are not infrequently the first to adopt its principles to 

 record their achievements in the arts of peace. 



SIGNBOARDS. 



The custom of old inns and hostelries, and also places of business 

 and public resort, bearing signboards with heraldic or allusive 

 devices of some kind, is a relic of the good old barbarous times, 

 when reading and writing were the accomplishments of the few. 

 A bunch of grapes at a house door, an optician's spectacles, or a 

 gold beater's arm and hammer, represent the business done 

 within symbolically, and are understood at a glance by the most 

 unlettered. From very early times this was the only way such 

 places were distinguished. Many of these old signs remain to 

 the present day, and will be in the recollection of everyone ; 

 and, as houses in London streets were not numbered till 1764, 

 every house or place of business was known by its sign — a lamb, 

 an eagle, a wolf, a vat, a bale of wool, &c, &c. In Gay's 

 " Trivia " he says : — 



If drawn by business to a street unknown, 



Let the sworn porter point thee through the town } 



Be sure observe the signs, for signs remain 



Like faithful landmarks to the walking train. 



English literature abounds with references to scenes enacted at 

 places historically known by the sign ; as the " Tabard Inn," 



