Shining Sun-beam (Aglæctis cupripennis), John Gould Undoubtedly the greatest living naturalist of the age is Baron Humboldt: in calling this eminent man a naturalist, let it not be supposed that I wish in any way to detract from his other even higher qualifications of a geognosist, a linguist, and a clear-sighted politician; but to the appellation of a great naturalist he is clearly entitled by virtue of his “Aspects of Nature,”—a work which will live long after this Nestor of science has quitted the world about which he has so ably written. This illustration has been restored to its original vibrancy by enhancing colors and removing unwanted marks. A monograph of the Trochilidæ, or family of humming-birds was published between 1849 and 1887 by English ornithologist John Gould. This monumental work depicts and describes all the known species of hummingbirds at the time - comprising 418 lithographic plates and information on 537 species."