Volumes I & II (of 4) only. xiii, [2], 556; ix, [3], 300 pp. Illustrated with a very large folding panorama of Santiago, Chile, with some hand-tinting; 9 engraved maps & plans (4 of them folding); 15 color lithographed plates of birds; 4 other color lithographed plates; 4 duotone lithographed plates; 17 steel-engraved plates of fauna and fossils, mostly fish and reptiles. 11¼x9, original decorative brown cloth, gilt-stamped vignettes on the front covers, spines lettered in gilt. First Edition.
Report of an illuminating expedition to Chile and Argentina, the third official U.S. exploring expedition after those of Wilkes (to the Pacific) and Lynch (to Palestine). Much more than astronomy was studied, and there are numerous reports on the flora and fauna, people, settlements, archeology, etc., of the region. Noteworthy as well for the superb color lithograph ornithological plates, the detailed engravings of fish and reptiles, the accurate maps, and the striking, large fold-out panorama of Santiago. Hill, Pacific Voyages, p.602; Sabin 27419.
Condition:
Rubbing, flakes to edges, Volume I spine with some cloth tape repairs, Volume II with some glue repairs to spine; hinges tender, occasional stains to contents (not affecting plates), faint foxing; despite flaws, still a very good set - with clean and attractive plates and maps.