PROSPECTUS. 



On (he First of Jul//, will he published 

 PART I. 



OF A 



HISTORY OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



BY 



WILLIAM YARRELL, F.L.S. 



SECRETARY OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



This work, which is intended as a companion to the History of 

 British Quadrupeds and British Fishes, will be completed in 

 two volumes Svo., and will contain a greater number of British Birds 

 than has yet been included in any work on the same subject. 



All the species will be illustrated by engravings on wood : two 

 representations of many of them ; and in some cases even three 

 figures will be given, to represent the various changes dependent on 

 age, sex, or season. The whole of the Birds will be engraved by, 

 or under the direction of, Mr. Thompson, whose name is at once 

 a guarantee that the execution will be excellent and uniform 

 throughout. 



The drawings will be made from living examples of the Birds as 

 often as opportunities permit ; and in other instances from the most 

 perfect specimens in the different collections to which the author has 

 access. The vignettes will be numerous, and subservient to the 

 general subject ; occasionally illustrating the description of some 

 interesting portion of internal or external structure ; and no expense 

 or labour will be spared to render this History of British Birds as 

 complete as extensive observation, long practical acquaintance with 

 the subject, and the plan of the work will admit. 



The work will be printed in Demy Svo., price 2s. 6d. each Part, 

 and in Royal 8vo., price 5s. ; and a very limited number of copies 

 in Imperial Svo., corresponding in size and character with the 

 History of British Quadrupeds and British Fishes. The 

 last size cannot be delivered until complete, and Subscribers' names 

 are requested to be sent to the Publisher. 



London, May, 1837. 



JOHN VAN VOORST, 1, i'ATERNOSTEIl-ROW. 



