or _Lion poisson_, a mythical sea-creature, frequently used in heraldry as
an emblem of bold actions achieved on the ocean in the country's service.
It is depicted as the fore part of a lion with webbed feet, the hinder
part ending in a fish's tail.
Two such animals support the arms of Viscount Falmouth.
The Earl of Howth has for supporters _a sea-lion argent_, and a mermaid,
proper. The crest also is a sea-lion.
[Illustration: Sea-lion erect.]
The crest of Duckworth is _a tower, the battlements partly demolished,
from the top flames issuant proper; on the sinister side a sea-lion erect
azure, pressing against the tower_.
Silvestre.--_Argent, a sea-lion couchant azure, crowned armed and langued
gules._
When the sea-lion or other compounded creature of this kind is erect, it
should be clearly blazoned as "a sea-lion erect on his tail," to
distinguish it from naiant, the swimming position natural to it.