262 LILFORD COLOURED FIGURES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



combined with a love of them for their own sake, and his numerous- 

 life-like illustrations in this work must alone entitle him to a place in 

 the very front rank of our bird painters. 



Of the general character of these illustrations it is impossible to 

 speak too highly. Since the issue of Part i, not only has the 

 standard of excellence which commenced the work been fully 

 maintained, but in the more recent numbers considerably surpassed. 

 Where all are good, it seems invidious to draw attention to special 

 plates. The figures of the Kite, Grey Crow, Barnacle Goose, 

 Golden Eye, Red-throated Pipit in Part xi ; Magpie, Oyster-catcher, 

 Peregrine Falcon (two plates). Knot (two plates) in Part xii ; Twite, 

 Avocet, Garganey, Pintail, Pochard and Tufted Ducks in Part xiii ; 

 Siskin, Barn Owl, Corncrake and Turnstone in Part xiv, are all of 

 high artistic merit, and faithfully represent the characteristic attitudes- 

 of the birds, with charming surroundings of wild nature in their 

 familiar haunts, and are executed by painter and lithographer alike 

 in the very best style. The duplicate illustration of the AVoodcock 

 in Part xiv is a great improvement on that which appeared in Part vii, 

 and which Lord Lilford states in a foot-note 'did not altogether 

 satisfy me as representing an average specimen of the bird.' 

 Certainly, this latter is most excellent, and nothing could be more 

 natural and life-like. 



In Part xv just received by us, we would commend to the notice 

 of our readers plates of the Lesser Grey Shrike and Woodchat, and 

 the Wigeon, Gadwall, and Scaup as admirable illustrations of the 

 power and characteristic styles of the two artists. 



We are glad to see that in the more recent numbers the descriptive 

 letter-press has been considerably increased. Lord Lilford is so 

 well known as a thorough practical naturalist that the short sketches 

 of each species coming from his pen are certain to be well received, 

 and they have moreover the special merit of being thoroughly 

 original. 



The price at which the illustrations are issued, 9s. 6d. a part, or 

 an average of under lod. for each plate, is most reasonable, and 

 much below their intrinsic value. No doubt after completion the 

 work will greatly rise in value. We strongly recommend all who take 

 an interest in ornithology and have the means of indulging their 

 hobby, to add these illustrations to their libraries. These cannot 

 fail, now and in the future, to afford infinite satisfaction and delight, 

 and they will certainly be a great aid to any student desirous to 

 make himself acquainted with the appearances and plumage of those 

 species described in the best recognised text-books of British 

 Birds.— J. C. 



Naturalist, 



