78/2250 [Lepidoptera]. Humphreys, H.N. and Westwood, J.O. British Moths and their Transformations. London, W. Smith, 1843-1845, 2nd ed., 2 vols., XIV,258; XIX,(1),268p., 124 handcol. lithogr. plates, sl. later gilt green hmor., 4to.

- Both vols. occas. trifle foxed; first and final lvs. w. trifle offsetting. A fine set.

= An influential work of Victorian natural history on moths, with nicely handcol. plates, which Humphreys describes in the preface: "The British Moths are not perhaps so gaily coloured as their more gaudy rivals, the butterflies; but when we consider the splendid sphinges, or twilight fliers, by which they are linked to the day-flying butterflies, they can scarcely be deemed less beautiful. Indeed, in the larva stage, many moths surpass in their wonderful raiment of velvet and satin, of ermine and sable, jewelled over with gold and silver studs of various metallic tints, anything which the butterfly division can boast; and the careful portraiture of these truly magnificent caterpillars will form a principal feature in the present work." (p.1). Nissen, ZBI 2050; Horn-Schenkling 23799.