The Book of Public Arms. Compiled and edited by Arthur
Charles Fox-Davies and M. E. B. Crookes. (T. C. and E. L. Jack, Edinburgh.)—The contents of this book are sufficiently described by its sub-title, " A CyclopEedia of the Armorial Bearings, Heraldic Devices and Seals, as Authorised and as Used, of the Counties, Cities, Towns, and Universities of the United King- dom." Mr. Fox•Davies's Preface contains an animated protest against " bogus " coats of arms, crests, and devices frequently assumed by various Corporations, Councils, and other public bodies. The offenders in this matter are many, and some of them of an importance which ought to prevent such doings. The Corporation of London itself uses arms which "are not recorded in the College of Arms and are of no authority." Unfortunately, the fees payable for a " patent of arms " are considerable. In England they amount to £76 IN. Ratepayers would probably look askance at such an item, and Corporations that possess property commonly spend it to the last farthing. The authorised arms might, however, be in good taste. The London County Council, for instance, might find something more suitable for their policemen's helmets than a coronet. Mr. Fox-Davies's handsome volume contains one hundred and thirty plates, many of them displaying as many as five coats-of arms, &c. These are preceded by a full descriptive index, from which we may learn, among other things, the authenticity of the armorial bearings assumed by each town, county, &c.
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