Manuscript Notebook of British Butterflies Illustrated with Watercolours

Description:

A Victorian manuscript notebook by an anonymous amateur lepidopterist, c. 1881-4. The document begins with an Index of approximately 90 species of British butterflies, arranged by English common names. Of the species indexed, approximately 11 are illustrated with watercolour sketches, some showing upper- and under-sides and different life stages. The illustrations are in the style of F.O. Morris's History of British Butterflies, and were likely copied from that work. The watercolours vary in quality: some of the illustrations, such as the Swallow-Tails are accomplished, while the Peacock and the Red Admiral reveal the skills of an amateur artist.

There are also an additional 4 pencil sketches of butterflies, some of which are incomplete. The illustrations are accompanied by a page of manuscript text recording, in general terms, life histories, foodplants, distribution, and localities, again mostly taken from information included in Morris's work. Some species have additional notes on specific localities, collectors and dates (between 1881 and 1884), possibly relating to specimens in a personal collection, some are marked 'bought - Dresden'. The majority of species listed in the index have no corresponding illustrations and, in some cases no text apart from the title. The final page includes a transcribed recipe for 'Treacling Mixture' used in moth collecting, attributed to Household Words, dated 14 July 1883.

Condition

8vo, recent qtr buckram, marbled boards. Very good.