From the publisher's advertisement:
The publisher respectfully informs the admirers of Mr. Howitt's performances, the lovers of natural history, and the public at large, that this work is intended to form a most unique Collection of Animals, which, strange as it may appear, has never before been done by any British artist. ... The artist, studious to attain correctness, hopes he may deserve the approbation of the natural historian, and assist the pencil of the designer who has not had an opportunity to pay the same attention to this branch of the art.
JACKDAW AND RAM: An Eagle flew down from the top of a high rock, and settled upon the back of a lamb; and then instantly flying up into the air again, bore his bleating prize aloft in his pounces. A Jackdaw, who sat upon an elm, and beheld this exploit, resolved to imitate it; so flying down upon the back of a Ram, and entangling his claws in the wool, he fell a chattering and attempting to fly; by which means he drew the observation of the shepherd upon him, who, finding his feet hampered in the fleece of the Ram, easily took him, and gave him to his boys for their sport and diversion.

THE LESSON. Every quality which is excellent and commendable, is not, however, always a proper object for our imitation. We ought to state our own account honestly and fairly, that we may see what our abilities are, and how our circumstances stand; otherwise, we may not only become ridiculous to others, but prejudicial to ourselves, by some aukward and illjudged emulation, though it happen to be in a qualification truly laudable and great. It behoves every man to exert a good share of industry towards the advancement of his interest, or, if he pleases, of his reputation; but then it is highly necessary that he do this with a true regard to his own capacity, and without any danger of exposing or embarrassing himself in the operation.

Print Specifics:
  • Type of print: Etching - Original antique print
  • Year of printing: 1809
  • Artist - Publisher: Samuel Howitt - S. Howitt, No. 15 Queen Street, Soho Square
  • Signature: Signed in plate (i.e. the artist scratched his signature into the original metal printing plate)
  • Condition: 1 (1. Excellent - 2. Very good - 3. Good - 4. Fair). Few light brownish areas/spots, mostly in blank margins. Please examine the photo for extent.
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 11.5 inches (21 x 28.5 cm), include blank margins (borders) around the image.
  • Paper weight: 2-3 (1. Thick - 2. Heavy - 3. Medium heavy - 4. Slightly heavier - 5. Thin)
  • Reverse side: Blank
  • Note: 1. Green 'border' around the print in the photo is the contrasting background on which the print was photographed.

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