41 volumes (including two copies of Entomology vol. II, one with binders error, see below), small 8vo. Half-titles; frontispieces, additional engraved title-pages with vignettes, OVER 1200 MOSTLY HAND-COLORED ENGRAVED PLATES; publisher's advertisements at ends. Original dark brown cloth, gilt-stamped spines, uncut (several spines sunned and ends repaired). Provenance: J.C. Key (armorial bookplate; rubberstamps).

FIRST EDITION, A COMPLETE COPY, A SUBSCRIBER'S SET IN THE ORIGINAL CLOTH. Volume XIV contains 40 new title-pages at the end to be inserted by the binder. Entomology vol. II is twice stamped on the spine, the second being upside down and stamped in black rather than gilt. Ornithology vol. VI contains the RARE PROSPECTUS. The Naturalist's Library was Jardine's greatest achievement as it made natural history available to all facets of Victorian society which proved popular and accessible. Jardine was also the first to coin the term "ichnology" and the first to write a book on the subject. His personal library and museum of natural history was known as the finest in Britain at the time. Nissen ZBI 4708; Wood 405; Ayer/Zimmer 223-228.