ORDER OF THE GUELPHS.

19

THE STAR.

The Star of the Knights Grand Cross, is composed of numerous rays ofsilver, nearly forming a circle. The centre is precisely like that of the Cross,and there is the same difference in the wreaths between those of the Military andof the Civil Knights. The Star of the Military Knights Grand Cross is,moreover, distinguished by having two gold swords, saltire-wise, over the rays.

The Star of the Knights Commanders, which is also of silver, is of the shapeof the Cross, having the same centre, and the same variation in the wreaths forthose of the Military and Civil Classes, as the Star of the Knights Grand Cross.By the Military Knights Commanders, two silver 5 Swords are placed betweenthe divisions of the Star.

appointments ant) Jlntoestttures.

All the Appointments are notified to the new Knights by the Chancellor,who, at the same time, usually transmits to them the Ensigns of the Order;but the Statutes direct that a particular form, including an Admonition, shallbe observed on the admission of Members of the Military Class ; 6 and, insome instances, the Sovereign has Invested Knights Grand Cross and KnightsCommanders, in the usual manner.

The Statutes likewise provide, that any Officer who may consider himselfentitled to the Order for his services in the Field, may submit his pretensionsto a Chapter, which is to assemble, annually, on the Anniversary of the Foun-dation, under the Presidency of a Knight Grand Cross, consisting of not lessthan seven Members, for the purpose of investigating the claims of Militarypersons, and of making a report thereon to the Sovereign . 7

5 The Statutes do not state whether the Swords are to be gold or silver, and they are usually madeof gold; but the pleasure of King George the Fourth having been taken on the subject, His Majestyobserved, that “ of course the Swords on the Star of the Military Knights Commanders should besilver, like the rays.” Ex. Inform. Sir William Woods, K.H. Garter, late Registrar of the Order.

6 Art. XXII. XXIII. vide p. 9, antea. 7 Art. XV.—XX. pp. 7, 8, antea.