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. A sow had just farrowed, and lay in the stye, with her whole litter of Pigs about her. A Wolf, who longed for one of them, but knew not how to come at it, endeavoured to insinuate himself into the Sow's good opinion; and, accordingly, coming up to her, How does the good woman in the straw do ? says he. Can I be of any service to you, Mrs. Sow, in relation to your little family here ? If you have a mind to go abroad, and air yourself a little or so, you may depend upon it I will take as much care of your Pigs as you could do yourself. Your humble servant, says the Sow, I thoroughly understand your meaning; and, to let you know I do, I must be so free as to tell you, I had rather have your room than your company; and therefore, if you would act like a Wolf of honour, and oblige me, I beg I may never see your face again. THE LESSON. The being officiously good natured and civil, is something so uncommon in the world, that one cannot hear a man make profession of it without being surprised, or at least suspecting the disinterestedness of his intentions ; especially, when one who is a stranger to us, or though known, is ill esteemed by us, will be making offers of services, we have great reason to look to ourselves, and exert a shiness and coldness towards him. We should resolve not to receive even favours from bad kind of people ; for should it happen that some immediate mischief was not couched in them, yet it is dangerous to have obligations to such, or give them an opportunity of making a communication with us. Print Specifics: Type of print: Etching - Original antique print Year of printing: 1810 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: 1-2 (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: 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. Martin2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy! Any print purchased from me may be returned for any (or no) reason for a full refund including all postage. Internet seller since 1998. Five-star service.