^"'ilie^^^'] Rhoads, Note on the 'Birds of America.' 131 



"The Birds of America. By J. J. Audubon', F.R.S., &c. 



When only a few numbers of this Work had been pubhshed, Mr. Audu- 

 bon was informed that many gentlemen, as well as a considerable number of 

 Natural History and other Societies, Libraries, &c. were desirous of pos- 

 sessing it, but that the time to be occupied in the publication, (16 years) 

 was so great, the casualties of life so many, and the probability of its ever 

 being finished, therefore, so remote, they determined to wait its completion 

 before they subscribed. 



With respect to man^^ Societies, moreover, the rules preclude them for 

 the above reason, from subscribing to any work of this kind published 

 periodically. 



Mr. Audubon, therefore, feels desirous, for the information of such 

 persons or Societies, to announce that seventy-eight numbers have now 

 appeared, and that with seven more it will be completed. He confidently 

 expects to present the last number to his subscribers on the 1st of April or 

 May next. 



As a comparatively small number of persons only are acquainted with 

 this work, for the information of others, it may be well to observe that the 

 whole of the Birds (about 470 Species) known to inhabit North America 

 with the exception of those of Mexico and Texas, are exhibited. 



The figures are all of the size of life, after drawings made from nature, 

 during the last thirty-five years; and the Birds are accompanied by a very 

 large number of Botanical Specimens, some of them not figured in any other 

 work. 



This Publication was commenced in 1826, and the Prospectus then issued 

 anticipated a period of sixteen years as necessary for its completion; 

 of that term only twelve years have elapsed, and in six months more it 

 will be terminated. 



In addition to the fidelity with which every Bird and Plant is represented, 

 this work has another great attraction, from the circumstance that it forms 

 a complete history of the Birds of America, and will in after times be a 

 point from which to institute a comparison for the purpose of ascertaining 

 what changes civilization produces in the Fauna of our great continent. 



It was contemplated that eighty numbers would finish the Work; but 

 in consequence of new and rare species having been recently discovered 

 by the author, and also received, from the Prince of Musignano, Thos. 

 Nuttall, Esq. Dr. John Townsend, and others, eighty five numbers will be 

 required (in which will be included the Eggs of many of the Species) . 



The particulars of the plan of the work may be reduced to the following 

 heads: 



The size is whole sheet double elephant, the paper being of the finest 

 quality. 



The Work appears in Numbers — each consisting of five Plates. 



The price of each Number is $10, payable on delivery. 



