126 nature's teachings. 



There is another kind of armour which is still used in some 

 parts of the world, and at one time was employed in this 

 country. This is the Quilt Armour, which is made by enclosing 

 a thick layer of some fibre, such as silk or cotton, between two 

 pieces of fabric, and then sewing them across and across, so 

 as to keep the lining or stuffing in its place. 



The eider-down quilts are familiar examples of such fabrics, 

 and so are the quilted petticoats, which are so comfortable in 

 winter. Horsehair and flock mattresses are made in a similar 

 manner. 



Insufficient as it may appear to be, the quilt armour, when 

 well made, is really proof against most weapons, even against 

 firearms, as we shall presently see. Being very much lighter 

 than steel, it was easier for the wearer, its chief drawback 

 being that its extreme thickness gave it a very clumsy and 

 awkward look. Those who wore it, however, cared more for their 

 safety than their appearance, as was exemplified by James I., 

 who lived in perpetual fear of assassination, but who had a 

 nervous dislike to arms, whether offensive or defensive. He 

 therefore wore a cuirass quilted with silk, which answered 

 every purpose of defence, while it did not offend his nerves. 



Perhaps the reader may remember that in " Peveril of the 

 Peak " Sir Walter Scott gives a ludicrous picture of the timid 

 justice, his fears of the Popish plot, his suit of quilted armour, 

 and his " Protestant Flail " with which he hits himself on the 

 head instead of striking his supposed enemy : — 



" Some ingenious artist, belonging, we may presume, to the 

 worshipful Mercers' Company, had contrived a species of armour 

 of which neither the horse armoury in the Tower, nor 

 Gwynnap's Gothic Hall, no, nor Dr. Meyrick's invaluable 

 collection of ancient arms, has preserved any specimen. 



"It was called Silk-armour, being composed of a doublet and 

 breeches of quilted silk, so closely stitched, and of such thick- 

 ness, as to be proof against either bullet or steel, while a thick 

 bonnet of the same materials, with ear-flaps attached to it, and 

 on the whole much resembling a nightcap, completed the 

 equipment, and ascertained the security of the wearer from 

 the head to the knee. Master Maulstatute, among other worthy 

 citizens, had adopted this singular panoply, which had the 

 advantage of being soft, and warm and flexible, as well as safe. 



