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. The Ape meeting the Fox one day, humbly requested him to give him a piece of his fine long brush tail, to cover his nakedness behind, which was exposed to all the inclemency of the weather: For, says he, Reynard, you have already more than you have occasion for, and a great part of it even drags along in the dirt. The Fox answered, that, as to his having too much, that was more than he knew ; but, be it as it would, he would rather sweep the ground with his tail as long he lived, than deprive himself of the least bit, to cover the filthy posteriors of an Ape.  THE LESSON: One cannot help considering the world, in the particular of the goods of Fortune, as a kind of lottery; in which some few are entitled to prizes of different degrees; others, and those by much the greatest part, come off with little or nothing. Some, like the Fox, have even larger circumstances than they know what to do with, insomuch that they are rather a charge and encumberance, than of any true use and pleasure to them. Others, like the poor Ape's case, are all blank; not having been so lucky as to draw from the wheel of Fortune wherewith to cover their nakedness, and live with tolerable decency. That these things are left by Providence, in a great measure, to the blind, uncertain shuffle of chance, is reasonable to conclude, from the unequal distribution of them : for there is seldom any regard had to true merit upon these occasions ; folly and knavery ride in coaches, while good sense and honesty walk in the dirt. The all-wise Disposer of events does.certainly permit these things for just and good purposes, which our shallow understanding is not able to fathom ; but, humanly thinking, if the riches and power of the world were to be always in the hands of the virtuous part of mankind, they would be more likely to do good with them in their generation, than the vile, sottish wretches who generally enjoy them. A truly good man would direct all the superfluous part of his wealth, at least, to the necessities of his fellow-creatures, though there were no religion which enjoined it; but selfish and avaricious people, who are always great knaves, how much soever they may have, will never think they have enough ; much less be induced, by any considerations for virtue and religion, to part with the least farthing for public charity and beneficence. 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: 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: 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. 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.