However, beneath the title of each plate there is an inscription indicating that some of these were designed in the years 1809-10, antedating the publication of the book itself in 1811 and suggesting that they were sold separately at that date, and probably afterwards too. Since fables carried a moral, they had wider popular appeal than elitist sporting subjects and could be mounted on walls for the edification of whoever saw them.
In contrast to the publication date of the book in 1811, the plates beneath each title reveal that some were designed between 1809-10, predating the book's release. It is likely that these plates were sold individually at this time and possibly afterwards as well. Fables, with their moral lessons, had a wider appeal than specialized sporting subjects, making them suitable for display on walls to educate viewers.