The Mango-fish and
the Great Brown Locust
From "A
Natural History of Uncommon Birds" published
between 1743 and 1751. Plate 208, drawn on August
4th, 1748, the day a plague of locusts desceneded
on England, according to the text.
We do not know which edition this plate is from.
From the text (text not
included):
Mango-Fish "The natural bigness of the
fish is truly shown by the figure. It is remarkable
for having four nostrils, two on each side of
its nose. ... This fish was brought from Bengal
by Dr. Mead who obliged me with a sight of it.
"
Locusts: "On the fourth day
of August, 1747, vast number of the great brown
spotted locust settled in all parts of the city
of London, and in most parts of the Kindom of
England, which much surprized the inhabitants,
as no such Event ws remembered to have happend
before by the Generality of the people...."
Engraved on old chainlinked paper.
No watermark.
Condition: Very good overall.
Sheet has lightly toned. There is a crease on
the right with some light discoloration (just
behind the locust's extended legs). We are not
certain if the red lines ... which look hand
drawn .. are original to this work, or if they
are an embellishment added by a later owner.
Dimensions of sheet: Approx.
22 X 29 cm
More works
by Edwards
