498 
PORTRAITS, MEMOIRS, AND AUTOGRAPHS OF LIVING AND 
RECENTLY-DECEASED NATURALISTS, BRITISH AND 
FOREIGN. 
We have long had in contemplation a series of the above nature, and have 
at length so far completed our arrangements as to be enabled to announce the 
appearance, in our next number, of a portrait, memoir, and autograph’ of the late 
Dr. Latham, celebrated as an ornithologist wherever Natural History is a study. 
The consent of several eminent naturalists to appear in 44 The Naturalists 
Portrait Gallery,” has likewise already been obtained, so that there will he no 
interruption in the series. We flatter ourselves it will he admitted that no 
difficulties, however great, have been allowed to hinder the performance of any 
plan proposed by the present Editor, relative to The Naturalist. This ought to 
assure us some confidence for the future. But at the same time our readers may 
desire definite information respecting the proposed addition. 
It may, then, be'observed that a portrait will be issued every alternate month, 
without any advance in price, and without interfering with the necessary illus¬ 
trations in Natural History. Further, let it be distinctly understood, that no 
commercial speculation is intended; but that the plan, having appeared desirable 
to ourselves, and having received the approbation of many present subscribers, 
as well as of several who on that account intend to become subscribers, we have 
no hesitation in commencing it. 
Our subjects will in most cases be living naturalists, but a few exceptions will 
be made in favour of those vdio have recently quitted the world. In almost every 
instance the portraits will be original. Thus when an indifferent portrait of any 
individual is already on paper,we should on no account republish it on the score of 
economy, but would either take an improved copy from it, or procure an altogether 
fresh likeness. There are, for example, portraits of Audubon,Wilson,Kirby, &c., 
before the world ; but they are both mediocre in execution, and scarcely known out 
of London, except where they are inserted as frontispieces to the authors’ own works. 
A memoir will in every possible case accompany the portrait, and will consist 
either of a memoir of the life of the individual, and of a notice of his scientific 
labours and official stations, or of the latter only. 
Thirdly, an autograph will appear with the portrait. 
Our aim, therefore, is to render the public more intimately acquainted with the 
labours and lives of those individuals whose exertions have best answered the ends 
of Natural Science ; and it is anticipated that at the close almost every name of 
eminence will be included. The series will comprise scientific naturalists, popular 
naturalists, and patrons of Natural History; but of course no 44 artificial classifi¬ 
cation” will be attempted in the execution of the plan. 
In fine, the series itself will best testify to the manner in which our views, 
here briefly stated, will be carried out. 
Campsall Hall , near Doncaster , Aug. 15, 1838. 
END OF THE THIRD VOLUME. 
