TCHEONS BY THE RULES OF HERALDRY.

The symbolic figures of Heraldry are so well known to those acquainted
with the science in every kingdom of Europe, that if an Englishman was
to send a written emblazonment or description of an escutcheon to
a French, German, or Spanish artist acquainted with the English
language, either of them could return a properly drawn and coloured
escutcheon; but a correct emblazonment would be indispensable. A
single word omitted would spoil the shield.

I.

The reader has already been informed that in emblazoning an
escutcheon, the colour of the field is first named; then the principal
ordinary, such as the fess, the chevron, &c., naming the tincture and
form of the ordinary; then proceed to describe the charges on the
field, naming their situation, metal, or colour; lastly, describe the
charges on the ordinary.

II.

When an honourable ordinary or some one figure is placed upon another,
whether it be a fess, chevron, cross, &c., it is always to be named
after the ordinary or figure over which it is placed, with either the
words surtout or overall.

III.

In the blazoning such ordinaries as are plain, the bare mention of
them is sufficient; but if an ordinary should be formed of any of the
curved or angular lines, such as invected, indented, &c., the lines
must be named.

IV.

When a principal figure possesses the centre of the field, its
position is not to be expressed; it is always understood to be in the
middle of the shield.

V.

When the situation of a principal bearing is not expressed, it is
always understood to occupy the centre of the field. Ex. See Azure, an
annulet argent, p. 48. (Dictionary)

VI.

The number of the points of mullets must be specified if more than
five: also if a mullet or any other charge is pierced, it must be
mentioned.

VII.

When a ray of the sun or other single figure is borne in any other
part of the escutcheon than the centre, the point it issues from must
be named.

VIII.

The natural colour of trees, plants, fruits, birds, &c., is to be
expressed in emblazoning by the word _proper_; but if they vary from
their natural colour, the tincture or metals that is used must be
named.

IX.

Two metals cannot come in contact: thus or, cannot be placed on
argent, but must be contrasted with a tincture.

X.

When there are many figures of the same species borne in coats of
arms, their number must be observed as th