"Spermophilus Macrourus, Bennett. Large-Tailed Spermophile", Audubon, J. J.

This is Plate CXXXIX (139) from Audubon's outstanding work on mammals. Following the success of his Birds of America, John James Audubon set out to document animal life in North America. Audubon collaborated with the Reverend John Bachman, a Lutheran minister and experienced student of mammalogy, who wrote much of the text for the work. By 1846, Audubon's health had deteriorated, so he enlisted the help of his sons to complete the Quadrupeds. John Woodhouse Audubon completed half of the plates for the work, and Victor served as editor and business manager. This engraving depicts a male Rock Squirrel who appears to be investigating a small winged insect. Lithographed, printed and colored by the famous J. T. Bowen, and based on a drawing by John Woodhouse Audubon. Sheet measures 25.75 x 20.1".

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Condition: B

Original color with light toning, minor soiling, a light crease in image towards bottom center, and a 2" tear at right that has been closed with archival tape. There is a chip in top right corner and a few tiny tears in blank margins that have also been closed with archival tape. There are a few light stains caused by cello tape that had been placed on verso, which has since been removed.