Termite colony nurseries

Painting. Plate 8 figures 5-7 from the paper “Some account of the termites, which are found in Africa and other hot climates”, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society vol.71 part 1 1781 pp.139-192. Two studies of termite nurseries with one microscope view of mould grown within the termite colony. Headed “Drawing 5” and extensively annotated in pencil with instructions on the production of the finished plate. Headed “Drawing 5” and inscribed below with figure details and captions. Signed lower right “Hen: Smeathman del:” Watermarked “GR”.