The first coloured illustrations of birds in a book which attempted to list and portray all of the British species, many of them life-size. The birds are divided into land birds and water birds, and under each species some synonyms and references to the literature are given, to which are added a brief description and remarks on the habit of the bird. The English edition was published 1761-1766.

Large folio. Title and text in Latin and German, 132 fine hand-coloured etched plates, (11 of mammals, 121 of birds), UNCUT in contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, a little worn, the plates in fine condition with bright colouring, etched by P. Mazell after P. Paillou and others, a very good copy.

Anker 392; Fine Bird Books, page 99; Jackson, Etchings, page 106; Mullens & Swann, 465; Nissen IVB 710; Wood, p.515; Zimmer, p.487.