PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 



52. Drawings. It is often impracticable to convey a 

 correct idea of the characters of an animal, by any descrip- 

 tion, however minute in its details. Many relations of 

 parts, and many gradations of form, may be perceived by 

 the eye, which words are unable to express. Drawings. 

 therefore, have been resorted to, and have largely contri- 

 buted to the progress of the science. 



In the execution of drawings of zoological objects, the 

 greatest attention should be bestowed on the delineation oi 

 those characters which are most intimately connected with 

 organization, and which are, consequently, most permanent. 

 The shape of the body should be carefully studied, and the 

 peculiar form of the component organs. When these are 

 faithfully delineated, as they have appeared in the progress 

 of the investigation, a perfect representation of the object 

 may be communicated. 



Coloured drawings of animals are eagerly sought after, 

 They please the eye, and frequently furnish, at* a glance, 

 the most marked peculiarities of a species. They are at- 

 tended, however, with great expence, and can only be 

 purchased by those whose wealth usually leads them to 

 seek after other pleasures than science affords. Fortunate- 

 ly for zoology, they are not necessary to its progress. Co- 

 lour is the least important character which is employed, and 

 can safely be dispensed with, where peculiarities of form 

 have been faithfully delineated. Indeed, we fear that co- 

 loured drawings have retarded, rather than promoted, the 

 science of zoology, by diverting the attention from the 

 form and structure of the organs, which are more immedi- 

 ately connected with the functions of life. 



So much attention is required, in executing drawings 

 of animals, to the minute peculiarities of form, that ever 

 an experienced artist is apt to overlook the most essen- 



