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Series of colorful prints of varieties of parrots that could be kept in public or large private aviaries. Other birds in the set include canaries, woodpeckers, and cardinals. The parrots are shown perched in trees.
The original set, considered a classic on canaries, contained 56 chromolithographs and numerous wood engravings that are still admired by canary aficionados today. It was divided into three sections: canaries by Blakston, British cage-birds by Swaysland and foreign cage-birds by Weiner (including the parrots). Blakston was one of the great canary experts of his time.
J.W. Ludlow was an ornithological artist who apparently specialized in domestic birds. He illustrated several books published by Cassell and others between 1867 and 1886 on poultry and pigeons, including The Illustrated Book of Poultry. (See plates from that work ). His poultry illustrations are considered classics and are widely reproduced in posters today.
Condition: Generally very good, with only minor toning, handling, and wear.