Background:

These antique Dog prints are from the The Naturalist's Library which was published in England during the 1830s and 1840s.  In addition to prints of "man's best friend", other members of the Canine family are shown including Foxes and Hyenas, as well as some lesser known species such as the Zerda (Plate 23*).

Sir William Jardine, who edited the series, commissioned experts throughout Europe to author each of the 40 volumes organized by four major topics - mammals, birds, insects and fish.  The volumes included over 1300 hand-colored plates produced from engravings by William Lizars, the eminent Scottish engraver and painter of topographical views.