346 GEORGE EDWARDS.
It may be observed that he never trusted to others what he
could perform himself, and found it so difficult to give satisfac-
tion to his own mind that he frequently made three or four
drawings to delineate the object in its most striking character
and attitude. In his work he was greatly assisted by having
resort to the collections formed by Dr. Fothergill at Upton and
to those belonging to Captain Raymond at Valentines, Ilford.
The publication of the History of Birds began in 1743, the first
volume appearing in quarto size. The number of the subscribers
exceeded Edwards' most sanguine expectation, and a second
volume appeared in 1747. The third volume was published in
1750, and in 1751 the fourth volume came from the press. This
volume being the last he intended to publish at that time, he
seems to have considered it as the most perfect of his productions
in Natural History, and there devoutly offered it up to the great
God of Nature, in humble gratitude for all the good things he
had received.
Under the new title of Gleanings of Natural History, a further
volume appeared in 1758. A second volume of the Gleanings
was published in 1760, and the seventh and last volume of his
works appeared in 1764.
Thus the author, after a long series of years, by means of the
most studious application, and extensive correspondence
to every quarter of the world, concluded a work which
contains engravings and descriptions of more than six hundred
subjects in Natural History, many not previously described or
delineated.
A generical index in French and English was added, and was
afterwards completed with the Linnean names by the great
naturalist Linnaeus himself, who frequently honoured Edwards
with his friendship and correspondence.
Upon finishing the work, we find the following declaration,
or rather remarkable petition, of the author, where he seems
afraid lest this passion for his favourite subject of Natural
History should get the better of nobler pursuits, viz., the con-
templation of his Maker.
" My petition to God (if petitions to God are not presumptuous) is, that he
would remove from me all desire of pursuing Natural History, or any other study ;
and inspire me with as much knowledge of his Divine nature as my imperfect
state is capable of, that I may conduct myself, for the remainder of my days, in a
manner most agreeable to his will, which must consequently be most happy to