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But although the inconsistencies in the Statutes, and theabsence of a great and comprehensive principle in the appro-priation of the British Orders of Knighthood, might almostcreate the inference that such Institution are altogether un-necessary, who that reverences the Constitution, and desiresthat the Throne shall always possess its legitimate influenceand power, would wish the abolition of one of the mostgraceful, most ancient, and (when carefully and wisely admin-istered) most useful attributes of the Crown, which gratifiesambition without danger or inconvenience to the State, andenables the Sovereign to reward merit without expense to thepeople.

10th March 1841.

Since the completion of the following History a valuableWork has appeared, entitled “ Memorials of the Order of theGarter, from its foundation to the present time, with Biogra-phical Notices of the Knights in the reigns of Edward III. andRichard II., by George Frederick Beltz, K. H. LancasterHerald.”

As the professional reputation of Mr. Beltz, and his exten-sive researches on the subject, entitled the “ Memorials” toimmediate attention, the Author lost no time in examining hisstatements and authorities. %

It is observed, in a subsequent page, that the principal

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