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ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS. 



particular branch. We shall begin with those works of 

 the last century which still retain their value as standard 

 books of reference, and, after enumerating those of a 

 later date, proceed to make a selection of such as would 

 constitute a magnificent and uniform series, worthy the 

 library of a potentate. 



List of Illustrative Woi'ks in Ornithology which are of 

 standard excellence and authority. 



Planches Enluminees. A Collection of one thousand and eight 

 plates of Birds, generally known under this title, which are 

 intended to accompany the original edition of Buffon's His- 

 toire Naturelle des Oiseaux. Paris, 1770-1776. 10 vol. 

 folio, or in imperial quarto. 



This collection of figures owes its celebrity more to the 

 absence of any other, equally extensive, than to any merit the 

 figures themselves possess, either of accuracy or of execution : 

 the greatest praise that can be given them is, that they are 

 generally recognisable, and can be identified with the birds 

 themselves ; more, however from the colouring, than from 

 the accuracy of the drawing. They are all referred to in 

 the several editions of BufFon, and are printed both on a 

 folio and on a quarto size ; about nine represent insects, 

 reptiles, and corals : the remainder are entirely of birds. 



Temminck and Laugier. Nouveau Recueil de Planches 

 Colorees d' Oiseaux, pour servir de suite et complement aux 

 Planches Enluminees de BufFon, d'apres les Desseins de Huet 

 et Pretre. Paris, 1820-1835. 



In the mechanical parts of its execution this is a very 

 beautiful work, the paper and printing are of the best descrip- 

 tion, and the plates are admirably engraved and coloured ; 

 but the drawing is not faithful, nor is the colouring generally 

 natural : the figures are stiff and formal, and they are all 

 put into nearly the same attitudes. The descriptions of the 

 birds are meagre, and for the most part relate to the mere 

 colour of the plumage. Occasionally, however, more 

 extended remarks are introduced on certain genera, as that 

 of JBuceros, for instance, which are really valuable ; but the 

 total absence of synonyms, specific characters, and scien- 

 tific descriptions of the form, structure, or habits of the birds 

 themselves, renders this work far inferior to what it might 

 have been, and what the scientific world expected, from the 

 reputation of its authors. The publication is conducted so 



