The Manual of Heraldry

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III.

In the blazoning such ordinaries as are plain, the bare mention of them is sufficient; but if an ordinary should be formed of any of the curved or angular lines, such as invected, indented, &c., the lines must be named.

IV.

When a principal figure possesses the center of the field, its position is not to be expressed; it is always understood to be in the middle of the shield.

V.

When the situation of a principal bearing is not expressed, it is always understood to occupy the center of the field. Ex. See Azure, an annulet argent, p. 48.

VI.

The number of the points of mullets must be specified if more than five: also if a mullet or any other charge is pierced, it must be mentioned.

VII.

When a ray of the sun or other single figure is borne in any other part of the escutcheon than the center, the point it issues from must be named.

VIII.

The natural color of trees, plants, fruits, birds, &c., is to be expressed in emblazoning by the word proper; but if they vary from their natural color, the tincture or metals that is used must be named.

IX.

Two metals cannot come in contact: thus or, cannot be placed on argent, but must be contrasted with a tincture.