he
Lions of England, the Fleur de Lys of France, and the Imperial Eagle.
Examples of shields surmounted by helmets and crests with quaint and
flowing mantling are to be seen in all kinds of art work.

Various stitches and methods specially lend themselves to the expression
of heraldry. Those which, like cross stitch, impose a certain
simplicity, are very good. Another suitable medium is applied work, of
which an illustration can be seen on page 95. Gold and silver thread are
very useful here, and look exceptionally rich when couched in the XIIIth
century method. Fig. 147 is an embroidered coat of arms dated the first
half of the XIVth century. It is executed almost entirely in the _point
couche rentre ou retire_. The arms are those of the Clinton and
Leyburne families--_argent, 6 cross crosslets fitchee 3, 2 and 1 on a
chief azure, two mullets or_.

[Illustration: Fig. 147.]

In designing heraldic work care must be taken to introduce no debased
forms such as were current after the XVth century. The XIIIth and XIVth
centuries are the periods considered best for the study of this subject.
Heraldry sometimes adds historic interest to embroideries; owners or
donors may be traced by their coat of arms appearing upon some part of
the work.

[Illustration: Fig. 148.]

Allied to heraldry and marking are a number of decorative objects that
have acquired peculiar traditional significance of an emblematic or
symbolical nature, hard to define. The Cross of Christianity may be
instanced, the olive branch of peace, the mirror of truth, and the snake
of eternity. The name of a saint is frequently declared by an emblem
accompanying the figure. In appropriate surroundings emblems may often
be used effectively. For knowledge about these things the student must
go to various books that deal with the special subject. Fig. 148 is an
illustration of the well-known emblem, the Pelican in her piety.

FOOTNOTE:

[13] This cope is full of interest in every detail. See M. Louis de
Farcy, _La Broderie du Onzieme Siecle jusqu'a Nos Jours_. Plate II.

CHAPTER XIII

THE GARNITURE OF WORK

Finishing off--Making up--Edges--Use of Cord-making Appliance--Cord
Twisted by Hand--Knotted Cord--Fringes--Tassels--Knots.

When the embroidery is completed, the making up, the addition of
tasteful finishing touches, and such things as fringes, tassels, and
linings, must all be considered. These will, if judiciously made use of,
give a di