Huia, from the Song Birds of the World series (N42) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1890

This chromolithograph card depicts the Huia, a bird native to New Zealand, perched on a branch in a lush, floral setting. Part of the "Song Birds of the World" series, this card was created by Allen & Ginter in 1890 and is part of a larger set of trade cards produced for Allen & Ginter cigarettes. This card, like many others in the series, was used for marketing purposes and features a striking and colorful depiction of the Huia alongside an advertisement for "Richmond Straight Cut No 1 Cigarettes." This trade card showcases the detailed, intricate style of Victorian-era natural history illustrations and is a fascinating example of the visual culture surrounding scientific exploration and collecting in the late 19th century.