Heraldry
properly the knowledge of the whole multifarious duties devolving on a herald; in the more restricted sense it is the science of armorial bearings. The rules of heraldry differ somewhat in different countries, but the general principles are the same. In English heraldry, arms are divisible into three classes: Arms of states, of communities or corporations, and of persons and families. All these classes of arms are displayed on a shield or escutcheon. There is no prescribed form for the shield. The shields of maids and widows are in the form of a lozenge. The face of the shield, on which the arms are blazoned, is technically called the field.
HERAT (her-ät'), a city of Afghanistan, and capital of an independent state; in a plain near the Herirood river, 360 miles W. by N. of Kabul. It is well fortified, and surrounded by a wet ditch, mound, and bastioned wall. It contains a number of caravanseries, public baths, reservoirs, and numerous mosques, besides a strong citadel. Herat is the emporium of the commerce carried on between Kabul and Bokhara, Hindustan, and Persia, and is a grand central mart for the products of India, China, Tartary, Afghanistan, and Persia. The local manufactures include carpets, leather, caps, cloaks, shoes, etc. This place has often been ravaged by various conquerors disputing the empire of Asia. The position of Herat is one of the greatest possible importance, and has been well described as the "Gate of India"; for within the limits of the Heratee country all the great roads leading to India converge. By the Herat route alone could a formidable and well-equipped army march upon the Indian frontier from the N. W. regions. Pop. about 20,000. See AFGHANISTAN.