Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/125

Rh religion and the Seize Quartiers—the proof of noble descent running through sixteen generations of their own or their husband's ancestors—are indispensable conditions for candidates. The Grand Mistress is, however, empowered to nominate an unlimited number of ladies, from princely houses and her own court, as also six other married or widowed ladies of noble, though not ancient, descent. The nomination takes place either on Easter, or on St. Elizabeth's day (19th November). The entrance fee is four ducats. The badge (Tab. 1V. Nos. 25 and 26) is a white enamelled Cross, representing on one side St. Elizabeth dispensing charity to the poor, and on the other the initial of the founder. It is worn on the left breast by a blue ribbon with red borders. No member can appear in public without it, except by fine of one ducat.

The King appoints the Grand Mistress; the present one is the Duchess of Leuchtenberg.

FEMALE ORDER AND INSTITUTION OF ST. ANN AT MUNICH.

The Order was founded by the relict of the Elector Maximilian II1., Maria Anna Sophie, from her own private property, in 1784, for the benefit of the Bavarian nobility. The number of members was originally limited to ten single ladies, after the completion of their 15th year, who could prove their noble descent through sixteen generations. They were to live together in the establishment under the guidance of the Deanness, and perform, moreover, daily, at certain hours a choral service. Its existence under such regulations was but short, and in 1802, the Elector, afterwards King Max-Joseph IV., was induced to decree the discontinuance of convent life, especially as regarded the living under one roof. He left, however, to the inmates