Reports of Explorations & Surveys, to Ascertain the Most Practicable & Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, . . . in 1854-6. Volume VIII. General Report Upon the Zoology of the Several Pacific Railroad Routes: Part I. Mammals

Wahington: A.O.P Nicholson, 1857. First edition. Hardcover. g. Large quarto. XLVIII, 757pp, 43 plates (XVII-XXVIII, XXX-LX). Original half leather over marbled paper covered boards. First part of a fascinating survey realised through the combined efforts of the topographical engineers and a sizable contingent of the country's foremost scientists. Not since Napoleon had taken his company of savants into Egypt, had the world seen such an assemblage of scientists and technicians marshaled under one banner! The first part of this massive work deals with mammals. Abrasion on binding with rubbed covers and corners. Spine lacking its title-lable, and closed tears along hinges. Spine edges chipped and worn. Free front endpaper partly missing. Ex-library bookplate at the back of front cover, with previous owner's inscription. Minor foxing on plates. Text in English. Binding in overall fair, interior in very good condition.