One of the earliest flora and fauna of Colonial America was published by Englishman Mark Catesby in the early 18th century. During an extended stay with relatives in Virginia, Catesby made a survey of plants and animals he encountered. He became an adept field observer and made careful notations. Returning to London in 1726, he spent the next 17 years preparing his notes and drawings for publication. He learned to etch his own plates, ultimately numbering 220, and colored the early issues himself. His original watercolors are in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle in London.