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 Raven had a great mind to be as white as a Swan, and fancied to himself that the Swan'-s beauty proceeded, in a high degree, from his oiten washing and peculiar diet. The Raven, upon this, quitted his former course of life and food, and betook himself to the lakes and rivers: but the water changed not his complexion, and the experiment cost him his life for want of sustenance. THE LESSON. It is a vain thing to attempt the forcing of nature, for what is bred in the bone will never out of the flesh; and there is no altering the qualities, the colour, or the condition of life that Provide: ce has allotted us. It is labour in vain to endeavour to mend any of the works of Nature, for she never did any thing amiss; and then it is as great a madness to attempt any alteration upon them, because ithat Nature does, God does, whose decrees are unchangeable, and all his works are perfection: but next to the force of natural impressions, we may reckon that of customs and habits. 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 (1. Excellent - 2. Very good - 3. Good - 4. Fair). When I acquired the print, it's condition has deteriorated over time, resulting in numerous brownish areas/spots (see second photo). I had them cleaned.  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.