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Augmentations

AMONGST the Italian tales connected with the Crusades is that of Otho Visconti, one of the early lords of Milan, and Duke of Lombardy. He acquired the device that now shines in the coat-ofarms belonging to both the city of Milan and the Province of Lombardy during the illustrious Holy Wars. A huge Saracen, beside whose Goliath-like form Otho appeared as little greater than a grasshopper, met him in deadly conflict.

The Saracen of course was conquered, or we shouldn't have the tale to relate, and Otho took the enemy's shield, which was a serpent crowned and devouring a child, from him, and adopted it as his own. It was in this and similar ways that many of the early shields originated.

Visconti.

But when such arms became universal with knights, and their insignia grew to be as well known as their very names, the question arose as to what could be done by the leaders to stimulate the loyalty and valor of their followers. To accomplish this, many were the princely grants of land and rich annuities which grateful kings showered upon their loyal subjects when unusual deeds of selfdevotion to their country and their king demanded recognition. But no reward was more highly prized by the flower of English nobility than was the gift of what is called "An Augmentation." / AUGMENTATIONS.