William Yarrell (1784-1856), English zoologist. Yarrell was born in London and educated in Ealing. He worked for a while as a bank clerk until he and his cousin took over his father's newsagent and bookselling business. Having a business partner allowed Yarrell time to indulge his interests in zoology, prompted largely by his love of fishing and shooting. In 1829 he became a founder member of the Zoological Society, contributing both as a scientist and a business advisor. His studies led to the publishing of the \History of British Fishes\" in 1836 and the \"History of British Birds\" in 1843, boh widely regarded as classic works of their genre. From 1849 he served as treasurer of the Linnean Society, of which he had been a fellow since 1825."