baerbatton on fyt 



The first requisite inflates illustrative of subjects in natural history is, 

 undoubtedly, that they should represent with fidelity the object under inves- 

 tigation, convey a correct idea of the whole, exhibit in a marked manner the 

 generic and specific characters, and display the anatomical details in different 

 points of view. The faithful execution and accomplishment of these objects, 

 will generally plead an apology in the estimation of those whose object is 

 scientific knowledge, for the want of that peculiar delicacy and finish in exe- 

 cution which is within the reach of the practised artist alone. 



In the plates representing the generic character of the Crinoidea, I have 

 endeavoured by figuring separately the several parts of the cup-like portion of 

 the animal, yet preserving them in their natural series, to convey an idea of the 

 manner in which they are placed over and near each other in the living 

 animal, the dotted lines directing the eye to their points of adhesion and 

 insertion. In all these generic plates I have shaded, and in the Crinoidea 

 inarticulata also coloured differently from the rest, those plates or joints essen- 

 tial to the generic character, endeavouring by this means at once to direct the 

 eye to these parts. This, I believe, is a mode of representation not hitherto 

 attempted in plates on natural history, the public will judge of its effect. I 

 have applied it to other subjects of natural history, and found it very useful 

 \vhere the character of the genus or species is well defined, where this is not 

 the case, it has frequently led me to a further examination of the subject I have 

 wished to represent, and thus furnished some interesting results. 



I have supplied from the combination of numerous specimens, a restored 

 figure of some of the Crinoidea, such as I conceive them to have been when 

 living, venturing, however, to indulge no further in this conjectural process, 



