MANUSCRIPT. Commonplace book of a naturalist, and military man, who appears to have been stationed at the Cape in South Africa in the 1850's. It is full of numerous cuttings, observations, and some pencil and watercolour drawings. Original dark green half calf, marbled boards. Covers are rubbed and worn with loss to the marbled paper, but the binding is sound, and the contents clean. The light toning to the paper is clear evidence that the volume travelled abroad, presumably accompanying the owner. 230mm x 140mm. c1840 and later. 31 pages, On Entomological Instruments and the best methods of collecting, breeding, and preserving insects., with 9 pen and ink drawings, [from Kirby and Spence, An Introduction to Entomology, 1826]. Pages 33- 54: “I must say something upon the seasons of insects and their times of appearance.” Pages 55-56: Floral Dictionary. Pages 57-58: Poem entitled ‘To the Great Pyramid’. Pages 61-65: Abstract of General Orders issued by Lieut. General Abercrombie Comm. Of the Forces in the Island of St Lucia, 26th May 1796. Also Garrison Orders for Gibraltar, November 1833. Other subjects include the health of ships, classification of mammals, the principal food of the whale, the consideration of protecting the country south of London, Pages 87 comprises of a diary February 26-30th 1844, recording he is still employed on boat, and that one night a crocodile attempted to carry it away. A record of a tablet erected by the Grenadiers in memory of John Cathcart who departed this life 25th April 1855. Numerous cuttings on natural phenomena, military reports (India, Hong Kong), ‘horrible death from a regimental bear...’, recipe for Bengal Curry, cure for cholera, fancy drinks from an ordinary oyster saloon Boston, song of the recruiting serjeant, on storms, sea serpents. Pencil sketch entitled “the [?] philosopher with the help of God and a tooth brush skinning an albatross.” A pen and ink design on three small pieces of paper held together with a pin, for a travelling chest, 1' 6" x 3', with compartments for tine, bottles, sauces. At the end are five measured plans: the first showing the occurrence of mimosa plants “between Fort Peddie and Butterworth Missionary Station, and no game of any description.” The second records the incidence of quail along the same route. A third notes “no inhabitants near the road... to the Umgazi, except at Buntingville.” There are seven pages with eleven watercolour drawings of flowers, including amaryllis, and gladiolus. Loosely inserted are two pencil drawings - Fairy Cottage, Twickenham Green 5th Oct 1849, and Trinity Church, Twickenham Green, from Fairy Cottage, 6th Oct 1849 - both copied by Edward.