[Illustration: No. 69.--Arms of Jerusalem.]
[Illustration: No. 70.--Arms of Fenwick.]
COUNTERCHANGING is dividing the field of a Shield in such a manner that it is, _e.g._ in part of a metal and in part of a colour, and then arranging the charges in such a manner that they shall be reciprocally of the same colour and metal: thus, the shield of John Fenwick, No. 70 (R. 2) is,--_per-fesse gu. and arg., six martlets, three, two, one, counterchanged_; that is, the field is red in chief and silver in base, and the birds or parts of the birds on the red field are silver, and those on the silver field are red.
DIAPERING.--This term denotes a system of decorating plain surfaces in various ways, which was in great favour with the early heraldic artists. In the use of Diaper, which is often desirable when artistic reasons suggest its suitability, care must be taken that the decorative designs and patterns do not in any way admit of their being mistaken for charges. This diaper may be executed in low relief, subordinated to the relief of the charges; and it is not required to yield any obedience to the law of tinctures. In the Shield, No. 68 (the original, a very noble shield, is at Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk), which is simply _chequée_, the Diapering may be alternately azure and or on the squares that are alternately or and azure; or the Diaper may be dark blue, or sable, or argent on the azure squares, and on the golden ones whatever the artist might consider would be most effective; but the Diaper, in this and in all other examples, must always be subordinate to the area and tincture of the field. The finest known early example of heraldic Diaper in enamel, is the Shield of WILLIAM DE VALENCE, Earl of PEMBROKE, in Westminster Abbey, A.D. 1296. Very beautiful early examples of Diapering have been preserved in relics of heraldic stained glass.
[Illustration: No. 68.--Shield of Arms of Earl de Warrenne, Castle Acre Priory, Norfolk.]
DISPOSITION: BLAZONING.--By _Disposition_ is understood the placing and arranging of charges. A single important charge, which has not a fixed position of its own, is placed in the centre of any composition: and minor charges are arranged in their most natural and consistent order and positions, any deviation from which must be specified. A single charge, many times repeated, and small in size, whether with or without any special orderly disposition, is said to be _Semée_--strewn, that is, or scattered over the field, as seed is sown by the hand; or, if the charges are very small or very numerous, the term _poudrée_ or _powdered_ has sometimes been used. The expression--"_three, two, one_," signifies that a charge is repeated six times, the Disposition being three in a horizontal row towards the chief of the Shield, then two in a similar row in the centre, and one in base. In the same manner, the expressions--"_four, four, one_," "_four, three, two, one_," "_three and one_," &c., are used as occasion may require. For other dispositions of charges other appropriate terms will present themselves to our notice, growing out of our subject as it advances.