8 
MEMOIR OF PENNANT. 
The best and most complete copies of this work 
are the quarto editions published in 1776 and 1777, 
in four volumes, the last containing the Crustace® 
and Shells. The plates are chiefly executed by 
Mazell, and some from drawings by Edwards. They 
are in many instances characteristic, and the work- 
manship bold. The best are some of the Water- 
fowl, and tlie plates of the last volume. The letter- 
press is clear, and not lengthened, wTitten in great 
part from personal observation, and oftentimes with 
a view to a contrast with the writings of his con- 
tinental rival Buffon. These naturalists, as we shall 
presently see, were acquainted with each other, and, 
although on friendly terms, several little jealousies 
arose, which can be traced in their respective writ- 
ings. The following extract from the natural his- 
tory of the Mole, is evidently aimed at the scepti- 
cism of Bufibn, and will serve as a specimen of the 
descriptive style of this work : — 
“ There are many animals in which the Divine 
Wisdom may be more agreeably illustrated ; yet the 
uniformity of its attention to every article of the 
creation, even the most contemptible, by adapting 
the parts to its distinct course of life, appears more 
evident in the mole than in any other animal. 
“ A subterraneous abode being allotted to it, the 
seeming defects of several of its parts vanish ; which, 
instead of appearing maimed, or unfinished, exhibit 
a most striking proof of the fitness of their contri- 
vance. 
