X PREFACE. 



out of the abundance which he possessed for selec- 

 tion. 



In the graphic and ornamental portions of the 

 Work, a department entrusted entirely to the Pub- 

 lishers, it will no doubt be found, as in the preceding 

 Editions, that their efforts have afforded satisfaction 

 to our numerous readers. New and original draw- 

 ings from the life, and coloured after nature, have 

 been made of the various breeds of Fowls, and ani- 

 mals, by Mr. Newton Fielding, an artist of known 

 and acknowledged ability. 



To conclude, it may be necessary to say a few words 

 on that subject of divers hues, the BUSTARD, which 

 we have hitherto treated after the example of our 

 contemporaries, according to the ancient text, exhi- 

 biting it in the splendid character of the most delicate 

 and exquisite of viands: but it seems, we have all 

 failed hitherto, in stating the when, the where, or 

 by whom, they were ever tasted or eaten; and the 

 probability at length appears to be that, whenever 

 introduced upon the board, like the Peacock, it was 

 rather in the character of a table exhibition, than as 

 an article of food. At any rate, modern usage . and 

 information appear to confirm this view, since no 

 intelligence can be obtained of even the presence of 

 this dish at the modern table, far less of any advocates 

 for good living, who have ever tasted it ; on the con- 

 trary, according to the improved version, the Bustard is 

 rather a bird of prey than one, the flesh of which is 

 adapted and calculated for use as human food. The 

 Author will thankfully receive any hints for the 

 improving a future Edition, if addressed to the Pub- 

 lishers, at No. 23, Paternoster Row. 



August 20, 1834. 



