Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/682

Rh divided into three classes, Knights of the Grand Cross, Commanders, and Knights.

Nomination to the Order confers personal nobility, and the Grand Cross, the title of 'Excellency.'

The decoration (Plate 90, Tab. IV. No. 23) is worn by the Knights of the first class by a ribbon across the right shoulder towards the left side, (if ecclesiastics, round the neck); by those of the second class round the neck, and by those of the third class at the button-hole; the latter, if ecclesiastics, wear it round the neck by a black ribbon.

The decoration for the Indians is a gold medal with the effigy of the King, and is worn on the breast by a violet ribbon.

The first class have, besides, fastened to the left side of their dress, the star No. 22.

The costume, on gala days, consists of a mantle of yellow velvet, of a tunic of white velvet trimmed with gold embroidery, of white shoes with golden bows, and of a Spanish hat with white and yellow feathers. The decoration is then appended to a collar, and may be adorned with precious stones.

ORDER OF MARIA ISABELLA LOUISA.

It was founded by Ferdinand VII., for the army and navy, on their having taken the oath of allegiance to the Infanta Maria Isabella Louisa, the presumptive heiress to the throne.

It is of gold for officers, and of silver for privates (Plate 90, No. 24).

MEDALS AND DECORATIONS OF HONOUR.

Their number is very great, as in recent times many have