210 Scientific Intelligence. 
these departments of his work no less interesting ; and we will 
venture to assert, that figures of such truth and elegance as are 
contained in the Illustrations have seldom issued from the Bri- 
tish press. The descriptions are clear and comprehensive ; and, 
though he follows the Linnean divisions as the grand outline 
of scientific arrangement, he is not so bigoted to the Great 
Master spirit^ as to reject the obvious improvements and subdi- 
visions introduced bj the nice tact of modern naturalists. To 
these qualities, we may add, that Mr Swainson’s long residence 
in various distant countries, give him advantages which few na- 
turalists have turned to better account. 
With these claims to public encouragement, we hope that he 
will be induced to continue a work which promises much for 
those departments of natural science. The work is so printed 
that each volume may be systematically arranged, when com- 
pleted ; or, should it extend to several volumes, each may be 
dedicated to a separate department of natural history. 
27. Selby's Natural History of British Birds . — Prideaux 
John Selby, Esq. of Twizel House, member of the Wernerian 
Society, will, in a few weeks, publish at Edinburgh, the first fasci- 
culus, in imperial folio, of a Natural History of British Birds. 
This gentleman, who is well known as a correct and indefati- 
gable observer, possesses uncommon powers in the delineation 
of objects of natural history, and appears to rival in his etch- 
ings the most skilful artists in this department of natural his- 
tory. We have seen the original drawings, and also the etch- 
ingsj and feel convinced that Mr Selby’s work will form the 
most splendid addition to the Zoology of Great Britain hitherto 
published. The figures possess a life and energy truly ad- 
mirable : the feathers are delineated in a masterly style ; and 
the legs and feet, parts so often indifferently represented in or- 
nithological works, are drawn with great care and accuracy. 
In short, all the parts harmonise in so perfect a manner, as to 
present to the eye of taste pictures of uncommon beauty. The 
knowledge of natural history is now so widely spread, and its^ 
numberless charms are so generally felt by accomplished minds, 
that there cannot be a doubt of the success of such works as 
those of Selby and Swainsom 
