Oblong folio (11 3/4 x 18 1/4 in.; 298 x 465 mm). Mounted lithographed title and 12 mounted lithographed plates after D'Oyly and Smith by the Behar Lithographic Press, all on india paper mounted to album leaves, the ornithological subjects handcolored and the backgrounds uncolored, the plates with contemporary manuscript captions; text lacking as usual, some marginal foxing largely confined to the mounts and marginal worming exclusively confined to the mounts. Publisher's gray wrappers, front cover with mounted lithographed label: "No. 2 of the Oriental Ornithology, containing 12 subjects"; spine repaired, extremities chipped and torn with loss, foxed.

Abbey, Travel 453; Fine Bird Books 143; McGill/Wood 570; Nissen, IVB 881

Oblong folio (11 3/4 x 18 1/4 in.; 298 x 465 mm). Mounted handcolored lithographed title and 12 mounted handcolored lithographed plates after D'Oyly and Smith by the Behar Lithographic Press, all on india paper mounted to album leaves, the plates with contemporary manuscript captions; text lacking as usual, some marginal foxing largely confined to the mounts and marginal worming exclusively confined to the mounts. Publisher's gray wrappers, front cover with mounted lithographed label: "No. 2 of the Oriental Ornithology, containing 12 subjects"; spine repaired, extremities chipped and torn with loss, foxed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

FIRST EDITION, WITH VERY FINE COLORING, LIKELY BY CHRISTOPER WEBB SMITH, who drew the birds, while D'Oyly provided the landscape and still-life backgrounds. "D'Oyly's landscapes are well drawn and have atmosphere, and the work is a most creditable production of this amateur press" (Abbey). The "No. 2" on the wrapper refers not to an earlier series of plates with the title Oriental Ornithology, but to D'Oyly and Smith's collaboration of the previous year, The Feathered Game of Hindostan.