Ian Seal, age 10, of Ruskin, D.C., Canada, for his question:

What do the words on the Canadian Shield mean?

The Canadian Shield is centered in Canada's Coat of Arms. The words that go with it are the National Motto, written in gold letters on a grace¬ful blue ribbon. They are A MARI USQUE AD MARE, Translated from Latin into the English Language they mean "From Sea to Sea" and refer to the great Dominion that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.

It is usual for all countries to have handsome national emblems. But Canada's Shield and Coat of Arms are more handsome than most. What's more, they portray many details of Canada's past and present history. The Shield bears the royal arms of England and Scotland, Ireland and France. It is supported on either side by a golden lion holding a Union Jack and a white unicorn holding the Fleur de Lis. Below the colorful arms is a graceful group of three Canadian red maple leaves.