PROSPECTUS.

To those who have not seen any portion of the Author's Collection of Original Drawings, it may be proper to state, that their superiority consists in the accuracy as to proportion and outline, and the variety and truth of the attitudes and positions of the figures, resulting from peculiar means discovered and employed by the Author, and his attentive examination of the objects portrayed, during a long series of years. The Author has not contented himself, as others have done, with single profile views, but in very many instances has grouped his figures, so as to represent the originals at their natural avocations, and has placed them on branches of trees, decorated with foliage, blossoms and fruits, or amidst plants of numerous species. Some are seen pursuing their prey through the air, searching for food amongst the leaves and herbage, sitting on their nests, or feeding their young; whilst others, of a different nature, swim, wade, or glide in or over their allotted element. The Insects, Reptiles, and Fishes, that form the food of these birds, have now and then been introduced into the drawings. In every instance where a difference of plumage exists between the sexes, both the Male and the Female have been represented; and the extraordinary changes which some species undergo, in their progress from youth to maturity, have been depicted. The Plants are all copied from Nature; and as many of the originals are remarkable for their beauty, their usefulness, or their rarity, the Botanist cannot fail to look upon them with delight.

The particulars of the Plan of the Work may be reduced to the following heads:—

1. The size of the work is Double Elephant Folio, the paper being of the finest quality.

2. The engravings are, in every instance, of the exact dimensions of the drawings, which, without any exception, represent the birds and other objects of their natural size.

3. The plates are coloured in the most careful manner, from the original drawings.

4

4. The work appears in Numbers, of which five are published annually, each Number consisting of five Plates.

5. The price of each Number is Two Guineas, payable on delivery.

Persons desirous of becoming Subscribers, are requested to apply to

MR ADAM BLACK, NORTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH;

Or to Mr R. HAVELL junior, Engraver and Publisher, 77. Oxford Street, London, with whom specimens of the work may be seen, or to any of the following agents:—

Messrs TREUTTEL, WURTZ and Co. Soho Square, London.

Messrs ROBINSON, Liverpool.

Mr T. SOWLER, Manchester.

Mr E. CHARNLEY, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Messrs POOL and BOOTH, Chester.

Messrs BEILBY, KNOTT and BEILBY, Birmingham.

The First Volume, consisting of One Hundred Plates, representing Ninety-nine species of Birds, of many of which there are several Figures, is now published. It is expected that other Three Volumes of equal size, will complete the work.

5

CONTENTS

OF

VOL. I. OF THE BIRDS OF AMERICA.

Plates published in 1827.

1. The Wild Turkey. Male.

2. Yellow-billed Cuckoo,

3. Prothonotary Warbler,

4. Purple Finch,

5. Bonaparte's Fly-catcher,

6. Wild Tnrkey. Female,

7. Purple Grakle,

8. White-throated Sparrow,

9. Selby's Fly-catcher,

10. Brown Lark,

11. Bird of Washington,

12. Baltimore Oriole,

13. Snow Bird,

14. Prairie Warbler,

15. Blue Yellow-back Warbler,

16. Great-footed Hawk,

17. Carolina Turtle Dove,

18. Bewick's Wren,

19. Louisiana Water Thrush,

20. Blue-winged Yellow Warbler,

21. Mocking Bird,

22. Purple Martin,

23. Maryland Yellow-throat,

24. Roscoe's Warbler,

25. Song Sparrow,

Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn.

Coccyzus americanus. Bonap.

Sylvia Protonotarius. Lath.

Fringilla purpurea. Gmel.

Muscicapa Bonapartii. Aud.

Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn.

Quiscalus versicolor. Vieill.

Fringilla pennsylvanica. Lath.

Muscicapa Selbii. Aud.

Anthus Spinoletta. Bonap.

Falco Washingtonii. Aud.

Icterus Baltimore. Daud.

Fringilla hyemalis. Linn.

Sylvia discolor. Vieill.

Sylvia americana. Lath.

Falco peregrinus. Gmel.

Columba carolinensis. Linn.

Troglodytes Bewickii. Aud.

Turdus ludovicianus. Aud.

Sylvia solitaria. Wils.

Turdus polyglottus. Linn.

Hirundo purpurea. Linn.

Sylvia Trichas. Lath.

Sylvia Roscoe. Aud.

Fringilla melodia. Wils.

7

63. White-eyed Fly-catcher,

64. Swamp Sparrow,

65. Rathbone's Warbler,

66. Ivory-billed Woodpecker,

67. Red-winged Starling,

68. Republican Cliff Swallow,

69. Bay-breasted Warbler,

70. Henslow's Bunting,

71. Winter Hawk,

72. Swallow-tailed Hawk,

73. Wood Thrush,

74. Indigo Bird,

75. Le Petit Caporal,

Vireo noveboracensis. Bonap.

Fringilla palustris. Wils.

Sylvia Rathbonii. Aud.

Picus principalis. Linn.

Icterus phœniceus. Daud.

Hirundo fulva. Vieill.

Sylvia castanea. Wils.

Emberiza Henslowii. Aud.

Falco hyemalis. Gmel.

Falco furcatus. Linn.

Turdus mustelinus. Gmel.

Fringilla cyanea. Wils.

Falco temerarius. Aud.

1830.

76. Virginian Partridge,

77. Belted Kingsfisher,

78. Great Carolina Wren,

79. Tyrant Fly-catcher,

80. Prairie Titlark,

81. Fish Hawk,

82. Whip-poor-will,

83. House Wren,

84. Cœrulean Fly-catcher,

85. Yellow-throated Warbler,

86. Black Warrior,

87. Florida Jay,

88. Autumnal Warbler,

89. Nashville Warbler,

90. Black-and-white Creeper,

91. Broad-winged Hawk,

92. Pigeon Hawk,

93. Sea-side Finch,

94. Bay-winged Bunting,

95. Blue-eyed Warbler,

96. Columbian Jay,

97. Mottled Owl,

98. White-bellied Swallow,

99. Cow Bunting,

100. Marsh Wren,

Perdix virginiana. Lath.

Alcedo Alcyon. Linn.

Troglodytes ludovicianus. Bonap.

Muscicapa Tyrannus. Briss.

Anthus hypogæus. Aud.

Falco Haliætos. Linn.

Caprimulgus vociferus. Wils.

Troglodytes ædon. Vieill.

Sylvia cœrulea. Lath.

Sylvia pensilis. Lath.

Falco Harlani. Aud.

Corvus floridanus. Bart.

Sylvia autumnalis. Wils.

Sylvia rubricapilla. Wils.

Certhia varia. Aud.

Falco pennsylvanicus. Lath.

Falco columbarius. Linn.

Fringilla maritima. Wils.

Fringilla graminea. Gmel.

Sylvia æstiva. Lath.

Garrulus ultramarinus. Bonap.

Strix Asio. Linn.

Hirundo bicolor. Vieill.

Icterus pecoris. Bonap.

Troglodytes palustris. Bonap.

8

EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS.

*Extract from a Report made to the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris. By BARON CUVIER,*

L'Academie m'a chargé de lui rendre un compte verbal de l'ouvrage
qui lui a été communiqué dans une de ses précédentes séances par M.
Audubon, et qui a pour objet les oiseaux de l'Amerique Septentrio-
nale. On peut le caractériser en peu de mots, en disant que c'est le
monument le plus magnifique qui ait encore été élevé à l'ornithologie.

L'auteur, né à la Louisiane, et qui s'est adonné dès sa jeunesse à la peinture, est venu, il y a 25 ans, se perfectionner dans sons art à l'école de David. Retourné dans son pays, il n'a cru pouvoir faire de son talent un usage plus utile, que de le consacrer à la representation des productions les plus brillantes de cet hémisphère. L'observation scrupuleuse nécessaire à des images telles qu'il voulait les faire, l'a bientôt rendu naturaliste.

C'est en sa double qualité d'artiste et de scavant, qu'il a produit l'ouvrage qui a été mis sous les yeux de l'Academie. Vous avez été frappés d'un format égal ou supérieur à ce qui a été publié de plus grand en ce genre, et qui approche des doubles planches de la description de l'Egypte. Cette dimension extraordinaire lui a permis de rendre des espèces de la taille de l'aigle et du tétrao dans leur grandeur naturelle, de multiplier celles qui sont moins volumineuses de manière à les représenter dans toutes les attitudes.

Il a pu aussi représenter sur les mêmes planches, et de grandeur naturelle, les végétaux sur lesquels ces oiseaux se tiennent le plus habituellement, et donner dans le plus grand détail leurs nids et leurs œufs.

L'exécution de ces planches, si remarquables par leur grandeur,
nous paraît avoir également bien réussi, sous le rapport du dessin, de
la gravure et du coloris, et quoiqu'il soit difficile à l'enluminure de
rendre les reliefs avec autant d'effet, qu'à la peinture proprement dite,
ce n'est pas un inconvenient pour des ouvrages d'histoire naturelle ;
les naturalistes préfèrent la couleur propre des objects, à ces teintes
accidentelles, résultat des diverses inflexions de la lumière, nécessaires

9

pour compléter la vérité pittoresque, mais étrangères et nuisible même
à la vérité scientifique.

M. Audubon a déjà préparé quatre cents dessins qui contiennent
à-peu pres deux mille figures, et il se propose de les publier succes-
sivement, s'il est encouragé par les amateurs. Un ouvrage conçu et
exécuté d'après un plan si vaste, n'a qu'un défaut, et sans doute que
sur celui-là mes auditeurs m'out déjà prevenu, c'est que sa cherté le
rend presq' inaccessible à la plupart de ceux auxquels il serait le plus
nécessaire. Toutefois on ne peut pas dire que le prix en soit exorbi-
tant. Une livraison de cinq planches se paie deux guinées; chaque
planche revient donc à 10 ou 11 fr., et comme il n'en paraltra que
cinq livraisons par an, la dépense annuelle de son acquisition ne serait
pas énorme. Il est à desirer du moins, dans l'intérêt de l'art autant
que dans celui de la science, que les grands dépôts publics, et les
propriétaires qui aiment à enricher leurs bibliothéques d'ouvrages de
luxe, veuillent se le procurer.

Autrefois c'etaient les naturalistes Européens qui étaient obligés
de faire connaître à l'Amérique les richesses qu'elle possèdait; main-
tenant les Mitchill, les Harlan, les Wilson, les Charles Bonaparte,
rendent avec usure à l'Europe ce que l'Amérique en a reçu. L'his-
toire des oiseaux des Etats-Unis de Wilson égalait déjà en élégance
nos plus beaux ouvrages d'ornithologie. Si celui de M. Audubon se
termine, il faudra convenir que ce sera l'Amérique qui, pour la mag-
nificence de l'exécution, aura surpassé l'Ancien Monde.

*Extract from a Review by W. SWAINSON, Esq. F. R. S. F. L. S. &c.,*
*published in the Natural History Magazine, for May 1828.*

M. Audubon, if I have been rightly informed, is a citizen of Amer-
ica, descended from French parents. Devotedly attached to the
study of nature, no less than to painting, he seems to have pursued
both with a genius and an ardour, of which, in their united effects,
there is no parallel. His two ornithological narratives, printed in one
of the Scotch journals, are as valuable to the scientific world as they
are delightful to the general reader. They give us a rich foretaste of
what we may hope and expect from such a man. There is a freshness
and an originality about these essays, which can only be compar-
ed to the animated biographies of Wilson. Both these men contem-

10

plated Nature as she really is, not as she is represented in books; they sought her in her sanctuaries. The shore, the mountain, and the forest were alternately their study, and there they drank the pure stream of knowledge at its fountain-head. The observations of such men, are the corner-stones of every attempt to discover the system of nature. Their writings will be consulted when our favourite theories shall have passed into oblivion. Ardently, therefore, do I hope, that M. Audubon will alternately become the historian and the painter of his favourite objects, that he will never be made a convert to any system, but instruct and delight us as a true and unprejudiced biographer of nature.

I am now to speak of M. Audubon more particularly as a painter. I shall, therefore, view the work before me as a specimen of the fine arts, and judge of it by those rules which constitute pictorial criticism. The size of the plates exceeds any thing of the kind I have ever seen or heard of; they are no less than 3 feet 3 inches long by 2 feet 2 inches broad. On this vast surface every bird is represented in its full dimensions. Large as is the paper, it is sometimes (as in the Male Wild Turkey, pl. I.) barely sufficient for the purpose. In other cases, it enables the painter to group his figures, in the most beautiful and varied attitudes, on the trees or plants they frequent. Some are feeding, others darting, pursuing, or capturing their prey: all have life and animation. The plants, fruits and flowers which enrich the scene are alone still. These latter, from their critical accuracy, are as valuable to the botanist as the birds are to the ornithologist.

Such is the general character of the work, but it is of a nature to demand a more particular notice. What I have said might, in a general way, be repeated of others. This, as I shall presently shew, is perfectly unique, both in its conception and execution. To explain this, I shall call the reader's attention to the following plates or rather pictures.

*Turtle Doves of Carolina.* (Plate 17.) It is quite impossible to treat this subject with greater truth or delicacy of conception, than it has here received. In a thicket of the beautiful *Stuartia Malocodendron*, (whose white blossoms are emblematic, like the dove, of chasteness and purity), a pair of turtles have built their nest. The female is sitting, and their union being consummated, she is receiving the caresses of the male. Above is another pair; their love is in its infancy. The male, seated on the same branch with his intended partner, is eagerly pressing forwards to reach a "stolen kiss," but the

11

head of the female is coyly turned. Her secret satisfaction is, however, expressed by the agitation of her wings and tail. If the artist had never painted any picture but this, it would secure him the highest meed of praise, as long as truth and nature continued the same.

*Mocking Birds defending their nest from a Rattlesnake.* (Plate 21.)

The same poetic sentiment and masterly execution characterizes this picture. The formidable reptile has driven the female bird from her eggs, which he intends to suck. Unable to defend them while sitting, she clings to the side, and, "with outstretched wings and forward breast," seems prepared to strike her bill into the very jaws of her enemy. Her cries have brought two others of her race to the spot; but these, not feeling a parent's solicitude, "come not boldly" to the attack. On the courage of the male bird the fate of the conflict seems to depend. He is close to the serpent, aiming a deadly stroke at its eye, while his own is lighted up with a determination and courage, which seem to bespeak anticipated victory. Every part of the story is told with exquisite feeling, the artist has thrown his greatest skill in the figure of the female bird, and it is uncommonly fine.

It will depend on the powerful and the wealthy, whether Britain shall have the honour of fostering such a magnificent undertaking. It will be a lasting monument, not only to the memory of its author, but to those who employ their wealth in patronizing genius, and in supporting the national credit. If any publication deserves such a distinction, it is surely this, inasmuch as it exhibits a perfection in the higher attributes of zoological painting, never before attempted. To represent the passions and the feelings of birds, might, until now, have been well deemed chimerical. Rarely, indeed, do we see their outward forms represented with any thing like nature. In my estimation, not more than three painters ever lived who could draw a bird. Of these the lamented Barraband, of whom France may be justly proud, was the chief. He has long passed away; but his mantle has, at length, been recovered in the forests of America.

12

NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS.

HER MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, QUEEN ADELAIDE.

(HIS MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY, GEORGE IV.)

(HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, CHARLES X.)

HIS MAJESTY PHILIPPE I. KING OF THE FRENCH.

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS MADEMOISELLE D'ORLEANS.

Prince Massena, Paris.

Charles L. Bonaparte, Prince of Musignano.

His Grace the Duke of Rutland.

The Right Honourable the Marquis of Londonderry.

Baron G. Cuvier, Paris.

E. Everett, Esq. for the Library of the Congress of the United States of America.

The Boston Atheneum. By the Honourable T. H. Perkins.

Baron Krudener, Envoy Extraordinary from Russia.

Robert Gilmor, Esq. Baltimore, North America.

Nat. Potter, M. D., Professor of Medicine, Baltimore.

John B. Morris, M. D., Baltimore.

The Right Honourable the Countess of Hertford.

The Honourable W. C. Wentworth Fitzwilliam, Grosvenor Place, London.

The Right Honourable the Countess of Ravensworth, Ravensworth Castle.

The Right Honourable the Countess of Morton, Dalmahoy.

The University of Edinburgh.

The Wernerian Natural History Society of Edinburgh.

The Society of Writers to his Majesty's Signet, Edinburgh.

P. J. Selby, Esq. of Twizel, Northumberland.

Sir W. Jardine, Bart. of Jardine Hall.

James Wilson, Esq. Edinburgh.

Reverend John Thomson, Duddingston.

— Stuart, Esq. of Alderston.

Henry Witham, Esq. of Lartington, Durham.

Lieutenant-General Graham, Stirling Castle.

Miss Harriet Douglass, New York.

Mrs Hamilton Nisbit Ferguson, Edinburgh.

Mrs John Foster, Liverpool.

John Rutter, M. D., Liverpool.

Dr Bickersteth, Liverpool.

Matthew Burrell, Esq. Broom Park, Alnwick.

Thomas Forster, Esq. Adderstone House, Belford, Northumberland.

Rev. A. Sharp, Bamburgh, Belford, Northumberland.

John Bulman, Esq. Percy Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

John Walker, Esq. Benwell House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

14

S. P. Atkins, Esq. Walbrook.

The Right Honourable Lord Stanley.

Wm. Brodrick, Esq. Gower Street, London.

Sir John Swinburne, Cupheaton, near Newcastle.

Charles Elley, Esq. Hampstead, near London.

Mrs Case, Liverpool.

The Reverend J. Clowes, Manchester.

George Hibbert, Esq. Portland Place, London.

The Honourable William S. Ponsonby, St James' Square, London.

The Right Honourable Earl Spencer, St James' Place, London.

John Heathcote, Esq. Berkeley Square, London.

Charles Peers, Esq. Chislihampton Lodge, Oxfordshire.

Lieut.-Colonel Charlewood, York Terrace, Regent's Park, London.

Tho. Ponton, Esq. Hill Street, Berkeley Square, London.

Robert Barclay, Esq. Bury Hill, Dorking, Surrey.

Philip John Miles, Esq. Bristol.

W. Ogilvie, Esq. Glasgow.

James Burton, Esq. Regent's Park, London.

Miss Maria Woodroof Smith, Clapham.

Fras. Chas. Parry, Esq. Onslow Terrace, Brompton.

William Cririe, Esq. Manchester.

Sir Wathen Waller, Bart. K. C. H., Pope's Villa, near Pickenham.

Joseph John Gurney, Esq. Earlham Hall, Norfolk.

Joseph Gurney, Esq. Lackenham Grove, Norwich.

Thomas Heywood, Esq. Manchester.

Edward Holme, M. D., Manchester.

D. Grant, Esq. Mosley Street, Manchester.

James Darbyshire, Esq. Manchester.

John Blackwall, Esq. Manchester.

Robert Garnett, Esq. Oakhill, near Manchester.

Lawrence Fort, Esq. Birch Hill, near Manchester.

Thomas Joseph Trafford, Esq. Trafford Park.

Thomas Haigh, Esq. Cheetham Hill, near Manchester.

Matthew Culley, Esq. Coupland Castle, Northumberland.

A. J. Cresswell Baker, Esq. of Brown Park.

The Reverend Edward Craig, Great King Street, Edinburgh.

Joseph Ridgway, Esq. Ridgemont, near Manchester.

The Right Honourable the Earl of Kinnoul.

The College of Glasgow, as Trustees of the Hunterian Museum.

John Buddle, Esq. Wallsend, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

J. Blackhouse, Esq. Darlington, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The York Subscription Library.

Joseph Harris, Esq. Liverpool.

George Smith, Esq. Liverpool.

W. Roscoe, Esq. Foxteth Park, near Liverpool.

Cuthbert Rippon, Esq. Stanhope Castle, Durham.

Kirk Patrick, Esq. London.

PROSPECTUS.

4

Messrs ROBINSON, Liverpool.

Mr T. SOWLER, Manchester.

5

CONTENTS

OF

Plates published in 1827.

1. The Wild Turkey. Male.

2. Yellow-billed Cuckoo,

3. Prothonotary Warbler,

4. Purple Finch,

5. Bonaparte's Fly-catcher,

6. Wild Tnrkey. Female,

7. Purple Grakle,

8. White-throated Sparrow,

9. Selby's Fly-catcher,

10. Brown Lark,

11. Bird of Washington,

12. Baltimore Oriole,

13. Snow Bird,

14. Prairie Warbler,

15. Blue Yellow-back Warbler,

16. Great-footed Hawk,

17. Carolina Turtle Dove,

18. Bewick's Wren,

19. Louisiana Water Thrush,

21. Mocking Bird,

22. Purple Martin,

23. Maryland Yellow-throat,

24. Roscoe's Warbler,

25. Song Sparrow,

Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn.

Coccyzus americanus. Bonap.

Sylvia Protonotarius. Lath.

Fringilla purpurea. Gmel.

Muscicapa Bonapartii. Aud.

Meleagris Gallopavo. Linn.

Quiscalus versicolor. Vieill.

Muscicapa Selbii. Aud.

Anthus Spinoletta. Bonap.

Falco Washingtonii. Aud.

Icterus Baltimore. Daud.

Fringilla hyemalis. Linn.

Sylvia discolor. Vieill.

Sylvia americana. Lath.

Falco peregrinus. Gmel.

Columba carolinensis. Linn.

Troglodytes Bewickii. Aud.

Turdus ludovicianus. Aud.

Sylvia solitaria. Wils.

Turdus polyglottus. Linn.

Hirundo purpurea. Linn.

Sylvia Trichas. Lath.

Sylvia Roscoe. Aud.

Fringilla melodia. Wils.

7

63. White-eyed Fly-catcher,

64. Swamp Sparrow,

65. Rathbone's Warbler,

66. Ivory-billed Woodpecker,

67. Red-winged Starling,

68. Republican Cliff Swallow,

69. Bay-breasted Warbler,

70. Henslow's Bunting,

71. Winter Hawk,

72. Swallow-tailed Hawk,

73. Wood Thrush,

74. Indigo Bird,

75. Le Petit Caporal,

Vireo noveboracensis. Bonap.

Fringilla palustris. Wils.

Sylvia Rathbonii. Aud.

Picus principalis. Linn.

Icterus phœniceus. Daud.

Hirundo fulva. Vieill.

Sylvia castanea. Wils.

Emberiza Henslowii. Aud.

Falco hyemalis. Gmel.

Falco furcatus. Linn.

Turdus mustelinus. Gmel.

Fringilla cyanea. Wils.

Falco temerarius. Aud.

1830.

76. Virginian Partridge,

77. Belted Kingsfisher,

78. Great Carolina Wren,

79. Tyrant Fly-catcher,

80. Prairie Titlark,

81. Fish Hawk,

82. Whip-poor-will,

83. House Wren,

84. Cœrulean Fly-catcher,

85. Yellow-throated Warbler,

86. Black Warrior,

87. Florida Jay,

88. Autumnal Warbler,

89. Nashville Warbler,

90. Black-and-white Creeper,

91. Broad-winged Hawk,

92. Pigeon Hawk,

93. Sea-side Finch,

94. Bay-winged Bunting,

95. Blue-eyed Warbler,

96. Columbian Jay,

97. Mottled Owl,

98. White-bellied Swallow,

99. Cow Bunting,

100. Marsh Wren,

Perdix virginiana. Lath.

Alcedo Aleyon. Linn.

Muscicapa Tyrannus. Briss.

Anthus hypogæus. Aud.

Falco Haliætos. Linn.

Caprimulgus vociferus. Wils.

Troglodytes ædon. Vieill.

Sylvia cœrulea. Lath.

Sylvia pensilis. Lath.

Falco Harlani. Aud.

Corvus floridanus. Bart.

Sylvia autumnalis. Wils.

Sylvia rubricapilla. Wils.

Certhia varia. Aud.

Falco pennsylvanicus. Lath.

Falco columbarius. Linn.

Fringilla maritima. Wils.

Fringilla graminea. Gmel.

Sylvia æstiva. Lath.

Garrulus ultramarinus. Bonap.

Strix Asio. Linn.

Hirundo bicolor. Vieill.

Icterus pecoris. Bonap.

Troglodytes palustris. Bonap.

8

EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS.

*Extract from a Report made to the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris. By BARON CUVIER.*

L'Academie m'a chargé de lui rendre un compte verbal de l'ouvrage qui lui a été communiqué dans une de ses précédentes séances par M. Audubon, et qui a pour objet les oiseaux de l'Amerique Septentrionale. On peut le caractériser en peu de mots, en disant que c'est le monument le plus magnifique qui ait encore été élevé à l'ornithologie.

L'auteur, né à la Louisiane, et qui s'est adonné dès sa jeunnesse à la peinture, est venu, il y a 25 ans, se perfectionner dans sons art à l'école de David. Retourné dans son pays, il n'a cru pouvoir faire de son talent un usage plus utile, que de le consacrer à la representation des productions les plus brillantes de cet hémisphère. L'observation scrupuleuse nécessaire à des images telles qu'il voulait les faire, l'a bientôt rendu naturaliste.

L'exécution de ces planches, si remarquables par leur grandeur, nous paraît avoir également bien réussi, sous le rapport du dessin, de la gravure et du coloris, et quoiqu'il soit difficile à l'enluminure de rendre les reliefs avec autant d'effet, qu'à la peinture proprement dite, ce n'est pas un inconvenient pour des ouvrages d'histoire naturelle; les naturalistes préfèrent la couleur propre des objects, à ces teintes accidentelles, résultat des diverses inflexions de la lumière, nécessaires

9

M. Audubon a déjà préparé quatre cents dessins qui contiennent à-peu pres deux mille figures, et il se propose de les publier successivement, s'il est encouragé par les amateurs. Un ouvrage conçu et exécuté d'après un plan si vaste, n'a qu'un défaut, et sans doute que sur celui-là mes auditeurs m'out déjà prevenu, c'est que sa cherté le rend presq' inaccessible à la plupart de ceux auxquels il serait le plus nécessaire. Toutefois on ne peut pas dire que le prix en soit exorbitant. Une livraison de cinq planches se paie deux guinées; chaque planche revient donc à 10 ou 11 fr., et comme il n'en paraîtra que cinq livraisons par an, la dépense annuelle de son acquisition ne serait pas énorme. Il est à desirer du moins, dans l'intérêt de l'art autant que dans celui de la science, que les grands dépôts publics, et les propriétaires qui aiment à enrichir leurs bibliothéques d'ouvrages de luxe, veuillent se le procurer.

Autrefois c'etaient les naturalistes Européens qui étaient obligés de faire connaître à l'Amérique les richesses qu'elle possèdait; maintenant les Mitchill, les Harlan, les Wilson, les Charles Bonaparte, rendent avec usure à l'Europe ce que l'Amérique en a reçu. L'histoire des oiseaux des Etats-Unis de Wilson égalait déjà en élégance nos plus beaux ouvrages d'ornithologie. Si celui de M. Audubon se termine, il faudra convenir que ce sera l'Amérique qui, pour la magnificence de l'exécution, aura surpassé l'Ancien Monde.

*Extract from a Review by W. SWAINSON, Esq. F. R. S. F. L. S. &c., published in the Natural History Magazine, for May 1828.*

M. Audubon, if I have been rightly informed, is a citizen of America, descended from French parents. Devotedly attached to the study of nature, no less than to painting, he seems to have pursued both with a genius and an ardour, of which, in their united effects, there is no parallel. His two ornithological narratives, printed in one of the Scotch journals, are as valuable to the scientific world as they are delightful to the general reader. They give us a rich foretaste of what we may hope and expect from such a man. There is a freshness and an originality about these essays, which can only be compared to the animated biographies of Wilson. Both these men contem-

10

*Turtle Doves of Carolina.* (Plate 17.) It is quite impossible to treat this subject with greater truth or delicacy of conception, than it has here received. In a thicket of the beautiful *Stuartia Malocodendron*, (whose white blossoms are emblematic, like the dove, of chaste ness and purity), a pair of turtles have built their nest. The female is sitting, and their union being consummated, she is receiving the caresses of the male. Above is another pair; their love is in its infancy. The male, seated on the same branch with his intended partner, is eagerly pressing forwards to reach a "stolen kiss," but the

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It will depend on the powerful and the wealthy, whether Britain shall have the honour of fostering such a magnificent undertaking. It will be a lasting monument, not only to the memory of its author, but to those who employ their wealth in patronizing genius, and in supporting the national credit. If any publication deserves such a distinction, it is surely this, inasmuch as it exhibits a perfection in the higher attributes of zoological painting, never before attempted. To represent the passions and the feelings of birds, might, until now, have been well deemed chimerical. Rarely, indeed, do we see their outward forms represented with any thing like nature. In my estimation, not more than three painters ever lived who could draw a bird. Of these the lamented Barrabaud, of whom France may be justly proud, was the chief. He has long passed away; but his mantle has, at length, been recovered in the forests of America.

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NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Prince Massena, Paris.

Baron G. Cuvier, Paris.

The University of Edinburgh.

James Wilson, Esq. Edinburgh.

— Stuart, Esq. of Alderston.

Mrs John Foster, Liverpool.

Dr Bickersteth, Liverpool.

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S. P. Atkins, Esq. Walbrook.

Mrs Case, Liverpool.

W. Ogilvie, Esq. Glasgow.

Fras Chas. Parry, Esq. Onslow Terrace, Brompton.

George Smith, Esq. Liverpool.

Kirk Patrick, Esq. London.

UNDER THE SPECIAL PATRONAGE

OF

Her Most Excellent Majesty,

QUEEN ADELAIDE.

THE

BIRDS OF AMERICA,

ENGRAVED FROM

DRAWINGS

MADE IN

THE UNITED STATES AND THEIR TERRITORIES.

BY JOHN JAMES AUDUBON, ESQ.

F. R. S. I. & E.

FELLOW OF THE LINNEAN AND ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETIES OF LONDON; MEMBER OF THE LYCEUM OF NEW YORK; THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF PARIS; THE WERNERIAN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE, &C.

ADAM BLACK, EDINBURGH; AND

R. HAVELL JUN. 77. OXFORD STREET, LONDON.

MDCCCXXXI.

PROSPECTUS.

4

Or to MR R. HAVELL junior, Engraver and Publisher, 77. Oxford Street, London, with whom specimens of the work may be seen, or to any of the following agents:—

Messrs ROBINSON, Liverpool.

Mr T. SOWLER, Manchester.

8

EXTRACTS FROM REVIEWS.

L'auteur, né à la Louisiane, et qui s'est adonné dès sa jeunesse à la peinture, est venu, il y a 25 ans, se perfectionner dans ses art à l'école de David. Retourné dans son pays, il n'a cru pouvoir faire de son talent un usage plus utile, que de le consacrer à la representation des productions les plus brillantes de cet hémisphère. L'observation scrupuleuse nécessaire à des images telles qu'il voulait les faire, l'a bientôt rendu naturaliste.

L'exécution de ces planches, si remarquables par leur grandeur, nous paraît avoir également bien réussi, sous le rapport du dessin, de la gravure et du coloris, et quoiqu'il soit difficile à l'enluminure de rendre les reliefs avec autant d'effet, qu'à la peinture proprement dite, ce n'est pas un inconvenient pour des ouvrages d'histoire naturelle; les naturalistes préferent la couleur propre des objects, à ces teintes accidentelles, résultat des diverses inflexions de la lumière, nécessaires

9

M. Audubon a déjà préparé quatre cents dessins qui contiennent à-peu pres deux mille figures, et il se propose de les publier successivement, s'il est encouragé par les amateurs. Un ouvrage conçu et exécuté d'après un plan si vaste, n'a qu'un défaut, et sans doute que sur celui-là mes auditeurs m'out déjà prevenu, c'est que sa cherté le rend presq' inaccessible à la plupart de ceux auxquels il serait le plus nécessaire. Toutefois on ne peut pas dire que le prix en soit exorbiant. Une livraison de cinq planches se paie deux guinées; chaque planche revient donc à 10 ou 11 fr., et comme il n'en paraîtra que cinq livraisons par an, la dépense annuelle de son acquisition ne serait pas énorme. Il est à desirer du moins, dans l'intérêt de l'art autant que dans celui de la science, que les grands dépôts publics, et les propriétaires qui aiment à enricher leurs bibliothéques d'ouvrages de luxe, veuillent se le procurer.

10

*Turtle Doves of Carolina.* (Plate 17.) It is quite impossible to treat this subject with greater truth or delicacy of conception, than it has here received. In a thicket of the beautiful *Stuartia Malocodendron*, (whose white blossoms are emblematic, like the dove, of chaste-ness and purity), a pair of turtles have built their nest. The female is sitting, and their union being consummated, she is receiving the caresses of the male. Above is another pair; their love is in its infancy. The male, seated on the same branch with his intended partner, is eagerly pressing forwards to reach a "stolen kiss," but the

11

12

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Prince Massena, Paris.

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The University of Edinburgh.

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— Stuart, Esq. of Alderston.

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S. P. Atkins, Esq. Walbrook.

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M. Feuillet, for the Library of the Royal Institute of France.

Viconte Simeon for the Ministry of the Interior, 6 Copies.

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