_Of the Knights of the Garter._ Windsor Castle being the seat of this most illustrious order, it may be expected that we should here give some account of it. The order of the garter was instituted by Edward III. in the year 1349, for the improvement of military honour, and the reward of virtue. It is also called the order of St. George, the patron of England, under whose banner the English always went out to war, and St. George’s cross was made the ensign of the order. The garter was, at the same time, appointed to be worn by the Knights on the left leg, as a principal mark of distinction, not from any regard to a Lady’s garter, “but as a tye or band of association in honour and military virtue, to bind the knights companions strictly to himself and each other, in friendship and true agreement, and as an ensign or bage of unity and combination, to promote the honour of God, and the glory and interest of their Prince and Sovereign.” At that time King Edward being engaged in prosecuting, by arms, his right to the crown of France, caused the French motto HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, to be wrought in gold letters round the garter, declaring thereby the equity of his intention, and at the same time retorting shame and defiance upon him who should dare to think ill of the just enterprize in which he had engaged, for the support of his right to that crown. The installation of a Knight of this most noble order consists of many ceremonies established by the royal founder, and the succeeding Sovereigns of the order, the care of which is committed to Garter king at arms, a principal officer of the order, appointed to support and maintain the dignity of this noble order of knighthood. On the day appointed for the installation, the Knights commissioners appointed by the Sovereign to instal the Knights elect, meet in the morning, in the great chamber in the dean of Windsor’s house, dressed in the full habit of the order, where the officers of the order also attend in their habits; but the Knights elect come thither in their under habits only, with their caps and feathers in their hands.