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At the outset of these few pages, by way of introduction to this revised edition of my " Book of Public Arms," I wish to emphasise the keen and generous, and at the same time disinterested, interest which my publishers, Messrs T. C. & E. C. Jack, have taken in the book.

The previous edition contained only the arms of Towns, Counties, and Universities. The additions to these categories alone in the intervening score of years would have justified a new edition from the mere consideration of available material. But as I wished to make the book as perfect as possible I decided, and Messrs Jack were agreeable, to extend the book so that it should include every British impersonal coat of arms in existence. That meant adding the arms of Schools, Colleges, Societies, Trading Companies, Colonies, Hospitals, Episcopal Sees, etc., etc. That I have endeavoured to do, and the object in view in this edition has been to include every single coat of arms of an impersonal character. How far I have succeeded remains to be seen. Through the great kindness of Lyon King of Arms and Ulster King of Arms, who have both allowed me access to their records, I can confidently say that every genuine impersonal coat of arms included in their Scottish and Irish records will be found in this book. And let me here tender my grateful thanks for the assistance given me by Sir J. Balfour Paul, C.V.O., Lyon King of Arms, and Capt. Neville Wilkinson, C.V.O., Ulster King of Arms, and to F. J. Grant, Esq., Rothesay Herald and Lyon Clerk, and G. D. Burtchaell, Esq, Athlone Pursuivant of Arms, for the enormous help and assistance they have given me. I am, as my readers must be, very grateful to them.

Nobody is ever permitted the same facilities with regard to the College of Arms. The different constitution of that Corporation prevents it. But I have not met with any hindrance. Every help has been given me within the limits which are per-missible, every question I have asked any officer of arms has been answered, and I know many of the officers, and I have badgered my friends there to what 1 think must have been the limits of their patience. And I do wish to put on record that some of them-knowing I was engaged upon this book-when they have come across some strange coat which they have thought I might like to include have sent me the details unasked. I have had help there far beyond anything I expected or had a right to expect, and I most gratefully tender my thanks to all those at the College of Arms who have helped me. My debt to them is heavy. But I cannot guarantee I have everything from their records. There may still be treasure-trove for writers who follow me. I probably have got all the ancient grants, for Berry, the Registrar of the College of Arms at the close of the eighteenth century, gutted the Grant Books for his " Encyclopedia Heraldica," and got sacked for doing so. Of the