The college of the order is in Windsor Castle, with the chapel of St. George and the chapter-house.  These buildings were erected by the royal founder expressly for the accommodation of the knights of the garter.

The garter is considered the principal ensign of this order:  it is worn on the left leg below the knee; it is formed of blue velvet, edged with gold:  on the velvet is embroidered the motto of the order, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE.

The collar is of gold, weighing thirty ounces troy weight, and contains twenty-six garters enamelled proper, in each a rose gules between; the garters are connected by knots.  The George is attached to this collar:  it represents St. George (the patron Saint of the order) attacking the dragon; it is of gold enamelled, and may be enriched with jewels at the pleasure of the possessor.

THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PATRICK.  This illustrious Irish order was founded by George III., 1783.  It consists of the sovereign, a grand master, the princes of the blood royal, and thirteen knights.  The lord-lieutenant for the time being is grand master.  The device on the jewel of this order is argent, a cross saltier gules surmounted with a trefoil vert, charged with three imperial crowns or, the whole inclosed in a circle of gold, bearing the motto QUIS SEPARABIT.  MDCCLXXXIII.  An engraving of this jewel will be found on the sinister side of the title-page.

THE KNIGHTS OF THE THISTLE.  The most ancient order of the Thistle was founded by James V. of Scotland, 1540, and revived by James II., king of Great Britain, 1687, incorporated by Queen Anne, whose statutes were confirmed by George I. The order consists of the sovereign and twelve brethren or knights.  Their motto is the national motto, NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSET; their badge or jewel, St. Andrew, supporting a cross, surrounded with rays of gold, an engraving of which will be found on the dexter side of the title-page.

[Illustration:  Knight and Baronet]

KNIGHT AND BARONET.  A degree of honour next to a baron, created by King James I. to induce the English gentry to settle in the province of Ulster.  The title is knight and baronet; it is hereditary:  the arms are distinguished by an augmentation of a human hand gules, generally borne on an escutcheon in the centre of the shield.

[Illustration:  Knight and Baronet of Nova Scotia]

KNIGHT AND BARONET OF NOVA SCOTIA.  A new creation during the reign of George I. to induce capitalists to settle in that part of North America.  The title is hereditary:  the arms are argent, St. Andrew’s Cross gules surtout, an escutcheon or, with a lion rampant gules within a double tressure of the same, surmounted by a king’s crown as a crest.