is represented a scene of prairie and woodlaud, with the surface gently undulating -descriptive of the predominant features of the State. In the foreground is a buffalo, an animal once abounding in great numbers in this region, apparently startled by the axe of the woodman or pioneer, who is seen on the left, felling the trees of the forest, denoting the march of civilization westward. In the distance, on the right, is seen the sun, just appear ing above the verge of the horizon. In a half-circle, spanning the expressive scene ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1816. beneath, are the words Indiana State Seal." Around the outer margin of the whole is a plain green border, surrounded by a simple black line.

MISSISSIPPI.

66

In the centre of a white or silver cireu. lar field is the American eagle, with widespread wings, occupying the entire surface; which may be considered as denoting that all the people of the State, from whatever clime or country they may have come, are purely American in feeling, and are content to repose their trust under the broad wings of the "bird of liberty." In the right talon of the eagle is a bundle of four arrows, significant of power to sustain the principles of government, and to repel the assaults of an enemy; while an olive branch in the left betokens a dispo ition to maintain peace. Around the lines, are the words, in Roman capitala,

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1817.
outer circle, between parallel
The Great Seal of the State of Mississippi."

ILLINOIS.

are

In the centre of a white or silver escutcheon is a representation of the Ameri can eagle, its wings spread so as to touch the inner margin of the shield. In ite right talon is the emblem of peace, an olive branch; while three arrows grasped in the left, denoting its readiness to sustain the three great branches of government. On its breast is an escutcheon, the lower half of which is represented of a red color, and the upper half blue, the latter bearing three white or silver stars. From its beak extends a labe, waving in the air above it, with the inscription "State Sovereignty: National Union." In the upper part of a circle enclosing the shield are the words. "Seal of the State of Illinois," and in the lower part the date 'Aug't 26, 1818."

accupied with the representation of a map, embracing the names and localities of the principal rivers and towns, as they existed as the time when the territorial government was established, 1817, A por tion of East Florida, embracing the line of surface as far as Pensacola, is included in the map, as also a small portion of Tennessee, sufficient to show the boundaries on either side. Around the circle, between two parallel lines, are the words, in Roman capitals, Alabama. Execu

tive office."

ADMITTED INTO TE UNION, 1819

MAINE.

A white or silver shield, on which is represented a pine-tree, with a moose-deer recumbent at its base-emblematical of the valuable timber of the State, and of the security and repose enjoyed by the animals which range its immense forests. The "supporters" are a mariner resting on his anchor, and a husbandman with his scythe-denoting that commerce and agriculture are each primary resources of the State. Above the shield is the North Star, beneath which is the motto, Dirigo -"I direct;" and under the shield is the name of the State, in Roman capitals; while sea and land compose the foreground. On the left, the tall masts of a ship are perceptible in the dis tance, the sails spread, denoting a readiness for commercial enterprise

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1820

On a circular shield, equally divided by a perpendicular line, is a red field on the right side, in which is the white or grizzly bear of Missouri. Above, separated by a wavy or curved line, is a white or silver crescent, in an azure field. On the left, on a white field, are the arms of the United States. A band surrounds the escutcheon, on which are the words, "United we stand, divided we fall." For the crest, over a yellow or golden helmet, full faced and grated with six bars, is a silver star; and above it. a constellation of twenty-three smaller stars. The supporters are two grizzly

bears, standing on a scroll inscribed Salus populi suprera lex esto--" The public safety is the supreme law." Underneath are the numerals MDCCCXX., and around the circle the words, "The Great Seal of the State of Miesauri "

567

a shield, near the base of which is a white star on a blue field, representing the State. In the middle portion is a bee-hive, signi fying industry, and a plough, denoting agriculture; while a steamboat, emblematic of commerce, tills the upper part. For the crest, the goddess of liberty is represented with her wand and cap in one hand, and a wreath of laurel in the other, surrounded by constellation of stars, indicating the States. The supporters two eagles, one grasping a bundle of ar rows, and the other an olive branch; a label extending from the claw of each, with the motto Regnant Populi-"The People rule." On either side. of the base is a cornucopia, and around the circle which encloses the the whole are the words, "Seal of the State of Arkansas."

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1836.

MICHIGAN.

On an escutcheon in the centre of a white field is the representation of a peninsula extending into a lake, a man with his gun, and the rising sun. On the upper part is the word Tuebor-"I will de fend it ;" and on a label extending across the lower part is the motto, Si quarris peninsulam amanam circumspice-"If you seek a delightful country (peninsula), behold it." The supporters are a common deer on the right, and a moose on the left, both abounding in the forests of Michigan. For the crest, is the American eagle; above which, on a label waving above all, is the motto, E Pluribus Unum. Around the outer circle, between two parallel lines, are the words, "The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, A. D. MDCCCXXXVII."

FLORIDA.

The seal which was originally used for the territory of Florida, although not formally adopted as that of the State, has been continued ever since, and of course retains all its legal force. In the centre of a circular white or silver field is represented the American eagle, "the bird of liberty," grasping the emblem of peace, an olive branch, in its left talon; and in its right a bundle of three arrows, significant of the three principal reliances of good government-the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. Above are arranged in a semi-circle thirteen stars. ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1845. emblematic of the thirteen original states, and below, the ground is represented as covered with the prickly pear, s fruit common to the country, and for which an appropriate motte would be, "Let us live."

fiterally independent or isolated existence previous to its admission nto the Union During its struggle with Mexico, it adopted as an official seal a white or silver star of five points on an azure field, encircled by branches of the live oak and, olive. Around the outer circle were the words, Republic of Texas" in Roman capital letters. With the exception of the words around the margin, which is now blank, except the word "Texas" in the upper half-circle, the former seal has been adopted since by the State. The live oak (quercus virens), which abounds in the forests

1845

of Texas, ie a strong and durable timber, much used in ship-building

and forming an important article of export.
The new seal of Iowa nas in the fore-
ground a citizen upholding with one hand
the national flag with the cap of liberty at
the top of the staff, while he holds in the
other hand his trusty rifle. Behind him,
and at his right side, are the implements
of agriculture, the plough, the cradle, etc.
In the middle ground are a sheaf of wheat,
with the broad wheatfield extending far to
the rear, and on the left is a pile of timber,
indicative of the forest wealth of the State,
and a plain but commodious dwelling show-
ing the recency of its settlement. In the
background, beyond the wide prairie, a
large steamboat plying upon the river.
The legend extending above and around

IOWA.

the whole is "Our Liberties we prize, and our Rights we will maintain."

WISCONSIN.

A large portion of the field is occupied by land and water scenery, denoting the agricultural, commercial, and mining interests of the State. In the foreground is a man ploughing with a span of horses; in the middle is a pile of lead in bars, a barrel, a rake, a sheaf of wheat, an anchor, and a cornucopia. Lakes Michigan and Superior are represented, with a sloop on the former, and a steam boat on the latter, towards which an Indian on the shore is pointing. In the distance is a level prairie, skirted by a range of woodland-a light-house and school-house on ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1847 the left, and the State-house in the centre. In a semi-circle above are the words, Civilitas successit Barbarum"Civilization has succeeded Barbarism." At the bottom is the dat when a territorial government was formed, "Fourth of July, 1836;' and around the whole are the words "The Great Seal of the Territory" Wisconsin which has not yet been changed.

569

18 seated on a rock, near the bank of an extensive bay or river, which winds its course among the majestic mountains or either side. Her spear is grasped in the right hand, while the left rests on the top of her shield by her side, near which is a grizzly bear, significant of the snwy region round about. On the right is a hurdy miner with his pick, seeking the golden treasures secreted among the rocks. Along the centre is seen a majestic bay, with two clippers in full view, indicating that commerce is one of the chief reliances of the people Above the snow

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1850. covered mountains, which bound the view, is the Greek word Eureka— "I have found."

MINNESOTA.

The seal of this State represents the peculiar circumstances under which it was originally settled, when the white man first undertook to convert its comparative deserts into productive agricul tural fields. In the distance, an Indian is seen mounted on a swift steed, retreating from the haunts where he had long been accustomed to enjoy unmolested the sports of the chase, and to roam uninterruptedly amidst his native forests. In the foreground is seen the new settler, preparing for his future subsistence by turning up the furrow, preparatory to sowing seed for the harvest. His gun and ammunition are lying behind him, ready to repel the assaults of savage foes, to which he is constantly exposed. The motto, L'Etoile du Nord, (the Star of the North,) is expressive of the bright future which this State is destined to realize.

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1857.

OREGON.

The emblems on the shield in the centre of the circular ground, are indicative of the advantages to be derived from a wild and mountainous country, through the medium of commerce, which are symbolized by the range of mountains depicted in the lower, and by the ship occupying the upper portion of the escutcheon. The right supporter is a representative of that unfortunate race who once entirely pos sessed the country, but who have been compelled to yield their heritage in part to the power of that enterprising people whose emblem is the eagle, here used se the left supporter. The crest, a beaver. deuotes the sort of trade which formerly distinguished the inhaas of this region.

ADMITTED INTO THE UNION, 1858.