34^ GEORGE EDWARDS. 



It may be observed that he never trusted to others what he 

 could perform himself, and found it so difficult to ^ive satisfac- 

 tion to his own mind that he frequently made three or four 

 drawin,i^s to delineate the object in its most striking character 

 and attitude. In his work he was greatly assisted by having 

 resort to the collections formed by Dr. Fothergill at Upton and 

 to those belonging to Captain Raymond at Valentines, Ilford. 



The publication of the History of Birds began in 1743, the first 

 volume appearing in quarto size. The number of the subscribers 

 exceeded Edwards' most sanguine expectation, and a second 

 volume appeared in 1747. The third volume was published in 

 1750, and in 1751 the fourth volume came from the press. This 

 volume being the last he intended to publish at that time, he 

 seems to have considered it as the most perfect of his productions 

 in Natural History, and there devoutly offered it up to the great 

 God of Nature, in humble gratitude for all the good things he 

 had received. 



Under the new title of Gleanings of Natural History, a further 

 volume appeared in 1758. A second volume of the Gleanings 

 was published in 1760, and the seventh and last volume of his 

 works appeared in 1764. 



Thus the author, after along series of years, by means of the 

 most studious application, and extensive correspondence 

 to every quarter of the world, concluded a work which 

 contains engravings and descriptions of more than six hundred 

 subjects in Natural History, many not previously described or 

 delineated. 



A generical index in French and English was added, and was 

 afterwards completed with the Linnean names by the great 

 naturalist Linnaeus himself, who frequently honoured Edwards 

 with his friendship and correspondence. 



Upon finishing the work, we find the following declaration, 

 or rather remarkable petition, of the author, where he seems 

 afraid lest this passion for his favourite subject of Natural 

 History should get the better of nobler pursuits, viz., the con- 

 templation of his Maker. 



"My petition to God (if petitions to God are not presumptuous) is, that he 

 would remove from me all desire of pursuing Natural History, or any other study ; 

 and inspire me with as much knowledge of his Divine nature as my imperfect 

 state is capable of, that I may conduct myself, for the remainder of my days, in a 

 manner most agreeable to his will, which must consequently be most happy to 



