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God Speede the Plough, first edition, 8 leaves, woodcut device and decoration to title, some ink annotations, early 20th century calf, gilt, by Coverley, g.e., [STC 11925.5], small 4to, Printed by John Harison, dwelling in Pater noster row, at the signe of the Gray-hound, and are to be solde, 1601.⁂ Extremely rare, only 2 other copies recorded (BL and University of Wisconsin-Madison). Only two copies are recorded on Rare Book Hub - unsold at auction in 1971 and a copy being offered by Francis Edwards in 1966 at £600.Rothamsted acquisition date 1915.

Crescentiis (Petrus de) New Feldt und Ackerbaw...in xv Buecher beschrieben, title in red and black with woodcut device, numerous woodcut illustrations in text, foxed and browned, light water-stain to lower margin, later vellum, [Nissen ZBI 988], Strassburg, Lazarus Zessner, 1602.⁂ Second German edition of a compilation of Crescentiis' work with that of Estienne & Libault and Jacques du Fouilloux, which first appeared in 1583 with different woodcuts. Includes many illustrations of distillation and herbs.Rothamsted acquisition date 1931.

Crescentiis (Petrus de) Le livre des prouffitz champestres et ruraulx, collation: a8 b-z8 A-H8 J8, double column, title with small grotesque letter and large woodcut printer's device, large woodcuts within text, stained and spotted, 20th century half calf, small wormholes, a few marginal repairs, folio (270 x 190mm.), Paris, [Thomas du Guernier pour Jacques Huguetan], 1505; and another early 16th century French edition of the same, lacking title, folio (2)⁂ Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1932.

Surveying.- N[orden] (J[ohn]) The Surveyors Dialogue. Divided into five Bookes: Very profitable for all men to peruse, that have to do with the revenues of Land, or the manurance, use, or occupation thereof, both Lords and Tenants, first edition, a few woodcut diagrams, initials and decorations, initial leaf (blank except for signature "A") present but laid down, a few other marginal repairs, good margins, modern red morocco, spine faded, old vellum covers and spine bound in at end, [STC 18639; Kress 279], Printed [by Simon Stafford] for Hugh Astley, dwelling at S. Magnus corner, 1607.⁂ First edition of this work "important because of Norden's clear account of the operation of the court of survey and because of his efforts to reconcile the differences between surveyor and tenant." (A.W. Richeson, English land measuring to 1800, 1966).Rothamsted acquisition date not listed.

Vinet (Elie) and Antoine Mizauld. La Maison Champestre, woodcut device on title, woodcut decorations and initials, woodcut illustrations and diagrams including 3 folding plates, several of knot gardens, water-stained, sometimes heavily, contemporary limp vellum, lacking ties, Paris, Chez Robert Fouet, 1607 § Liger (Louis) Le Nouveau theatre d'Agriculture, 29 engraved plates, musical notation, occasional foxing and light browning, contemporary sheep, spine gilt, head repaired, Paris, 1723; Oeconomie Generale de la Campagne, ou Nouvelle Maison Rustique, 2 vol. in 1, second edition, titles in red and black, woodcut illustrations, contemporary calf, extremities worn, Amsterdam, 1701; and 6 others French, 4to and 8vo (9)⁂ Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1935.

Rationing.- Orders Appointed by his Maiestie . . . for the preuenting and remedying of the dearth of Graine, library cloth, [STC 9217], Robert Barker, 1608; [Another edition], light damp-staining, library cloth, [STC 9242.5], by Bonham Norton, 1622; [Another edition], first and final f. darkened, 20th century half morocco, [STC 9250.7], Robert Barker, 1630, all with initial blanks with signature within woodcut border, titles with woodcut ornamental borders or devices, woodcut royal arms, head-pieces and initials, small 4to (3)⁂ Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1928.

F. (N.) The Husbandmans fruitfull Orchard, first edition, largely printed in black letter, woodcut initials and decorations, slight worming to first few leaves affecting some text, modern calf-backed marbled boards, [see Fussell I, p.31; STC 10652], 4to, Imprinted for Roger Jackson and are to bee sold at his shop in Fleet-street neere the conduit, 1609.⁂ Scarce variant of the reissue (1608) of The Fruiterers Secrets, 1604. Sometimes attributed to Gervase Markham.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1939.

*** Please note, the description of this lot has changed ***Water-Meadows.- Vaughan (Rowland) Most Approved and Long experienced Water-Workes, first edition, variant with author's promissory note dated 29th November on verso of final leaf (S4), with the very rare folding engraved plan coloured by a contemporary hand, lacking the second folding plan (as usual), plan with some tears but dissected and laid down on canvas, mounted on stub at beginning, lacking initial blank, very light spotting and soiling to title and with small portion torn away from lower inner margin, one or two small rust-spots but otherwise very clean, later calf, red roan label, rubbed, joints split, spine chipped at head, [Fussell pp.32-33; STC 24603], small 4to, George Eld, 1610.⁂ An excellent copy of a rare work, and usually lacking the plan. "The idea of water meadows was original to Vaughan. . . He saw 'a spring breaking out of a mole-hill with the grass very green where it ran', and that gave him the idea that a definite set of drains with sluices to cause and control flooding would be good for grassland...The work also contains one of the earliest refernces to a mechanical saw-mill...There are three copies in the British Museum, but all want the original plate...the copy at Rothamsted has a coloured map on canvas." (Fussell). Provenance: The Gough-Heber copy (ink inscription "Extremely scarce with the map on canvas. Gough Sale 1810  [£]2.15.0" at head of front free endpaper and note in pencil "purchased at Heber sale by Evans" added). Rothamsted acquisition date 1915.

Trees.- Churche (Rooke) An Olde Thrift newly Revived. Wherein is Declared the Manner of Planting, Preserving, and Husbanding yong Trees of divers kindes for Timber and Fuell, first edition, largely printed in black letter, trimmed close in places, just touching headlines on occasions, occasional light foxing, folding woodcut plate, woodcut illustrations and diagrams, initial blank leaf present, later polished tan calf, gilt, by Riviere & Son, g.e., [STC 4923; Fussell I, p.33], small 4to, Printed by W.S. for Richard Moore, and are to be sold at his shop in St. Dunstanes Churchyard, 1612.⁂ Sometimes attributed to Robert Chambers and R. Churton, ESTC records 3 variants: this copy has "Surveyors are odious to Farmers" on D3, line 21. The work is written in the form of a dialogue between a surveyor, woodsman, gentleman and farmer.Rothamsted acquisition date not noted.

Familiar Dialogue (A) betwixt one Physiologus a gentleman student of Athens and his country friend Geoponus, wherein he doth make manifest to him many secrets of nature in the soyling, plowing, and sowing of the earth, whereby it may bring forth fruit in more aboundance, first and only edition, small woodcut armorial device on title, woodcut initial and decorations, soiled and with some marginal repairs but no loss of text, modern calf, [STC 19896.5], Oxford, Printed by Joseph Barnes, 1612.⁂ The only recorded copy. An inscription to front free endpaper reads "From the Evelyn Library". Ink name on title "C. Cacale" and at foot another contemporary inscription dated August 1665.Rothamsted acquisition date not noted.

Forestry.- Standish (Arthur) New Directions of Experience to the Commons Complain ... for the Planting of Timber and Fire-wood, woodcut of royal arms, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, light scattered spotting, original stitched wrappers, a little creased, small portion of loss to head of upper cover, preserved in custom drop-back box, [Fussell p. 33; Henrey 356; STC 23204.7], small 4to, [N.Okes], 1613.⁂ "one of the first treatises to be published in this country entirely devoted to forestry" - Henrey. Of this edition, ESTC lists 5 copies only including this one (not in BL). Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1933.

Markham (Gervase) The English Husbandman. The First Part: Contayning the Knowledge of the true Nature of euery Soyle within this Kingdome: how to Plow it; and the manner of the Plough, and other Instruments belonging thereto, first edition, woodcut illustrations, head-pieces and decorative initials, lacking G1 and G4 (blank), a few ff. with minor fraying, title browned,contemporary limp vellum, browned and soiled, [Fussell pp.31-32; Poynter 21.1; STC 17355], printed by T[homas]. S[nodham]. for Iohn Browne, and are to be sould at his shop in Saint Dunstanes Church-yard, 1613; and 5 others by the same (6)⁂ Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1928.

Surveying.- Rathborne (Aaron) The Surveyor in Foure bookes, first edition, fine engraved title by William Hole, 2 engraved portraits, that of the author cut and laid down as frontispiece, woodcut illustrations and diagrams, occasional light marginal water-staining, a few spots and marks, later calf, joints cracked, [STC 20748; Fussell I, pp.22-23], folio, by W. Stansby for W. Burre, 1616.⁂ The first comprehensive English textbook on surveying, the work is divided into four parts: Geometry; Problems in Geometry; the application of parts 1 and 2 to the measurement of land; and a legal section dealing with the problems of the manor.Rothamsted acquisition date not noted.

Estienne (Charles) and Jean Liebault. Maison Rustique, or the Countrey Farme, translated by Richard Surflet, edited and augmented by Gervase Markham, third edition in English, title with woodcut printer's device, woodcut illustrations and diagrams, woodcut decorative initials and head-pieces, lacking final blank, 2A6 neatly repaired and supplied from another copy, 17th century calf, spine worn at head, [Bitting p.146-147; Fussell p.13; Goldsmiths' 451; Hunt 202; Kress 353; Poynter 31.1.; Schwerdt I, 166 (first English edition); Simon, BG, 610 (note); STC 10549; Vicaire 345 (French editions)], folio, Printed by Adam Islip for John Bull , 1616.⁂ The first edition edited by Markham. As well as discussing the principles of farming and the layout and surveying of farms it includes chapters on herbs, vegetables, bread, distillation, wines, cider, hunting and falconry.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1915.

Markham (Gervase) Cheape and Good Husbandry for the vvell-Ordering of all Beasts, and Fowles, and for the generall Cure of their Diseases, second edition, with initial and terminal blank ff., damp-staining, ink ownership inscription, 20th century morocco-backed cloth, [STC 17337; Poynter 22.2], small 4to, Printed by T.S[nodham] for Roger Iackson, and are to be sold at his shop neere the Conduit in Fleetstreet, 1616; Markhams Farewell to Husbandry, woodcut illustrations, ink ownership stamp to title, 20th century half calf, [Poynter 34.2; STC 17373], Printed by M. F[lesher]. for Roger Iackson, and are to be sold at his shop neere Fleet-streete Conduit, 1625; The English Hous-Wife, containing The inward and outward Vertues which ought to be in a compleat Woman, ninth edition, woodcut illustrations, some occasional light browning or soiling, 20th century calf-backed boards, rebacked, [Poynter 34.10; Wing M632], printed by W. Wilson, for E. Brewster, and George Sawbridge, at the Bible on Ludgate-hill, neer Fleet-bridge, 1660; Country Contentments. Or, The Husbandmans Recreations, eleventh edition, 20th century half calf, printed for George Sawbridge, at the sign of the Bible on Ludgate-Hill, 1675, small 4to (4)⁂ Provenance: John Evans, London, 1739 (ink ownership inscription); T.Hubband (ink ownership stamp). First mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1918.

Lawson (William) A New Orchard and Garden. Or The best way for planting, grafting, and to make any ground good, for a rich Orchard, 2 parts in 1, first edition, partially printed in black letter, title with woodcut illustration of men working in an orchard, woodcut illustrations, decorations and initials, slight worming affecting text, G4 with clean tear, modern morocco-backed boards, [British Bee Books 20; Fussell I, p.31; Henrey 226; STC 15329; Walker Catalogue p.44], Printed at London by Bar: Alsop for Roger Jackson..., 1618.⁂ The second part, entitled The Countrie Housewife's Garden...together with the Husbandry of Bees, has a separate title-page dated 1617. Appears infrequently at auction.Rothamsted acquisition date 1926.

Tithes.- Selden (John) The Historie of Tithes, first edition, title in red and black, occasional light browning, contemporary calf, rebacked, [STC 22172.3], 1618 § [Leslie (Charles)] An Essay Concerning the Divine Right of Tythes, occasional browning, contemporary panelled calf, [Wing L1132], printed for C. Brome, at the Gun, W. Keblewhite at the Swan in St. Paul's Church yard; E. Pool, at the Half-Moon, and G. Strahan at the Golden-Ball in Cornhil, 1700 § Scale (Bernard) Tables for the Easy Valuing of Estates, engraved title and dedication, library cloth, for the Author and sold by T.Cadell, 1771; and 12 others, tithes and estates, 8vo (15)⁂ Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1926.

Livestock.- Mascall (Leonard) The Government of Cattell. Divided into Three Books, The first entreating of Oxon, Kine and Calves ... the second discoursing the government of horses ... the third of sheep, goats, hogs and dogs, first edition, mostly black letter, occasional browning, ink ownership inscription, 2 19th century illustrations of cows laid down on pastedowns, contemporary calf, splitting to joints but holding firm, rubbed, [Fussell p.10; 17586], small 4to, Printed by T. S[nodham]. for Roger Iackson, and are to be sould at his shop, neere Fleet-street Conduit, 1620.⁂ A rare early edition, ESTC lists 5 copies only including this one.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1928.

Markham (Gervase) Markhams Farewell to Husbandry Or, The inriching of all sorts of Barren and Sterrill Grounds in our Kingdome, to be as fruitfull in all manner of Graine, Pulse, and Grasse as the best Grounds whatsoever, first edition, occasional light damp-staining, light worming to lower margin, mostly repaired, 20th century tree calf, gilt by Sangorski and Sutcliffe, [Fussell pp.30-31; Poynter 24.1; STC 17372], I[ohn] B[eale and Augustine Mathewes] for Roger Iackson, and are to be sold at his shop neere Fleete-streete Conduit, 1620; Cheape and Good Husbandry, third edition, lacking initial blank, occasional browning, 20th century half calf, [Poynter 34.2; STC 17338], printed by T[homas]. S[nodham]. for Roger Iackson, and are to be sold at his shop neere the Conduit in Fleetstreet, 1623; Countrey Contentments, or The English Huswife, occasional minor damp-staining, 20th century calf, gilt, [Poynter 34.1; STC 17343], by I[ohn]. B[eale]., for R. Iackson, and are to be sold at his shop neere Fleet-streete Conduit, 1623; Country Contentments. Or, The Husbandmans Recreations, ninth edition, some paper adhering to title, occasional soiling or browning, ink ownership inscriptions, 20th century calf-backed boards, [Poynter 34.10; Wing M623], printed by William Wilson, for George Sawbridge, at the Bible on Ludgate-hill, neer Fleet-bridge, 1660, some woodcut illustrations, small 4to (4)⁂ Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1917.

Cato (Marcus Porcius), Marcus Terentius Varro, Junius Moderatus Columella and Rutilius Taurus Palladius. Libri de re Rustica, edited by Giovanni Giocondo, collation: *8 aa-bb8 cc10 a-h8 i4 k-z A-Q8, Roman and italic type, woodcut printer's device to titles and verso of otherwise blank final f., woodcut illustrations and diagrams, initial spaces with guide-letters, cc10 blank, P7&8 short repaired tear at foot, within text and with loss of a few letters, a few marginal repairs, 20th century half morocco, gilt, small 4to (203 x 120mm.), [Venice], [House of Aldus & Andrea Torresani], [May, 1514].⁂ First Aldine edition of this compendium of Roman texts on agriculture. With much on viticulture and the art of wine-making, including the choice of soil and aspect of vineyards, the planting, pruning and cultivation of vines and how to make and care for different sorts of wine. Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1915.Literature: Simon, BB II, 593; Simon BG 310; Adams S805; Ahmanson-Murphy 121; Renouard, Alde, 66:2; EDIT 16 CNCE 37471.

Tusser (Thomas) Five Hundred Points of good Husbandry, printed mostly in black letter, title with ornamental border (slight loss to outer margin through paper flaw), soiled and stained, Narcissus Luttrell's copy with his ink inscription "Nar. Luttrell: His Book 1681/0 Ex dono sororis Kath. Sowe" to front free endpaper, contemporary manuscript notes to rear free endpaper, contemporary calf, red morocco label, rubbed, upper joint split, spine ends chipped, [STC 24390], [by Thomas Purfoot] for the Company of Stationers, 1620; and 5 other copies of the same, three 17th century (1610, 1614, 1630), 4to & 8vo (5)⁂ All the 17th century editions are scarce: ESTC lists only 2 UK copies of the 1614 edition (BL and this copy) and 5 UK copies of the others.Narcissus Luttrell (1657-1732), parliamentary historian and diarist, bibliographer of works concerning the Popish plot, and compiler of a large library.Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1936.

Bees.- Butler (Rev. Charles) The Feminine Monarchie: or the Historie of Bees, second edition, variant with 6 leaves in signature A and no blanks, frontispiece with woodcut and verses, woodcut initials and illustrations, 4pp. with musical notation, lacking final blank, a few rust-spots, one to I3 causing small hole with loss of a couple of letters, cropped shaving a few leaves (title, A4 & 5 and I4 & L1, I4 with loss of final line), bookplate of Thomas William Cowan, nineteenth century half calf, rubbed, upper joint cracked, small 4to, [British Bee Books 18; STC 4193; Walker Catalogue p.11], John Haviland for Roger Jackson, 1623.⁂ "This is the greatest early British bee book and contains the best account of skep beekeeping which is available today". British Bee Books. It is the first edition to contain both the woodcut frontispiece and the 4-part madrigal which was an attempt to capture the piping of the queen at swarming time. The Walker catalogue calls it "the most readable Edn.".Thomas William Cowan (1840-1926), co-founder and president of the British Beekeepers' Association who designed the cylindrical honey extractor. He also wrote many books on bees and formed an apine library of over 1800, the basis of the Cowan Memorial Library.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1931.

Markham (Gervase) Markhams Maister-Peece: Containing all Knowledge belonging to the Smith, Farrier, or Horse-Leech, 2 parts in 1 vol., third edition, engraved additional pictorial title, woodcut illustrations, contemporary calf, spine gilt, a very good copy, [Poynter 20.3], by Nicholas Oakes, 1623; and 3 others by the same, small 4to (4)⁂ Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1926.

Surveying.- Huntar (Alexander) A Treatise, of Weights, Mets and Measures of Scotland, first edition, woodcut armorial device to title, woodcut decorations and initials, diagrams in text, some marginal restoration, trimmed, occasionally touching ruled border and in two places a numerical column in a table, soiled, modern calf, [STC 13993], small 4to, Edinburgh, Printed by John Wreittoun, and are to bee solde at his Buith, et the Nethey-Bowe, 1624.⁂ Rare, only one copy at auction (1966, $224). 18th century ink annotations and ownership inscriptions of Alexander and James (sometimes Jack) Blackie.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date not noted.

Surveying.- Digges (Leonard) A Booke named Tectonicon, woodcut illustration on title, woodcut illustrations, diagrams, initials and decorations, 2 folding tables, washed and pressed, first few leaves slightly frayed, early 20th century red crushed morocco, gilt, [STC 6854], small 4to, Imprinted by Felix Kyngston, 1625.⁂ Scarce edition of this practical treatise on land surveying, first published in 1566. It describes the construction and use of three important instruments for determining distances - the geometrical square on the side of a ruler, the carpenter's square, and the cross-staff.ESTC locates 4 copies in the UK and only private collections, no institutional holdings in N. America.Provenance: Sir Roger Twysden (ink name on title, dated 1628). Twysden (1597-1672) was an English antiquary and politician who lived at Roydon Hall in Kent "creating a park...and engaging in extensive planting of trees." (Oxford DNB)Rothamsted acquisition date 1926.

Spanish printing in Perpignan.- Augustin (Miguel) Libro de Los Secretos de Agricultura Casa de Campo y Pastoril, large woodcut device to title, repeated on the four others, ten woodcuts in the text, folding plate at end, diagrams and historiated initials, folding plate torn and stained, repaired, some staining elsewhere, contemporary limp vellum, lacking ties, Perpignan, Luys Roure, 1626.⁂ Rare example of Spanish printing in Perpignan. The first edition was published in Catalan in 1617. The author was the Prior of the Templars in Perpignan. Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1926.

Cato (Marcus Porcius), Marcus Terentius Varro, Junius Moderatus Columella and Rutilius Taurus Palladius. Libri de re rustica, first Giunta edition, collation: AA8 BB12 a-z8 &8 Ꝝ8 ꝶ8 A-P8 Q12 , woodcut printer's device on otherwise blank final leaf, a few woodcut diagrams, decorative initials on title and 7-line capital letters in text supplied in red and blue, headlines and chapter headings with red and blue flourishes, capital letters and numerals throughout highlighted in yellow, ruled in red throughout, last 2 leaves laid down, margin and lower corner of title repaired to verso, some water-staining at head causing some running of the blue decoration mostly towards end, a few ink annotations, name inked out from head of title, upper hinge weak, 19th century roan, spine faded, 8vo, Florence, Filippo Giunti, 1515.⁂ A lavishly decorated copy of this important edition.Rothamsted acquisition date 1915.Literature: Adams S806; Renouard 67; Bib. Bacchia II, 594; Bib. Gastronomica 311; EDIT xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Parkinson (John) Paradisi in Sole Paradisus Terrestris, first edition, fine woodcut title (frayed at top and slightly trimmed at fore-edge), numerous fine full-page woodcut illustrations, top corner of sig. B (6 leaves) torn or nibbled away with slight loss of text, G6 small rust-hole in text, K5 heavily browned, slight worming to lower margin of a few leaves occasionally slightly affecting text, last 4 leaves probably from another copy, near contemporary calf, rebacked, corners repaired, Printed by Humfrey Lownes and Robert Young, 1629.⁂ First edition of what Blanche Henrey calls "the earliest important treatise on horticulture published in England."Provenance: "Thomas Blackerby in Broade Streete over against Austin Fryers" (inscription on rear endpaper beneath another in French); "William Hine gardener his Book" (inscription on the first of the supplied leaves at end); Robert Goff (bookplate). Rothamsted acquisition date 1928.

Tobacco.- Neander (Jean) Traicté du Tabac, ou Nicotiane, Panacee, Petun: autrement Herbe a la Reyne..., second edition in French, 6 folding engraved plates only (of 7) and 2 full-page illustrations, lacking plate 4 at p.22, contemporary ink inscription to title, browned and lightly water-stained, plate 1 shaved at outer edge and soiled & frayed at lower edge touching caption, illustration on verso of Y1 poorly printed, bookplate of Lord Willoughby de Broke, contemporary limp vellum, soiled and stained, lacking ties, [cf. Sabin 52173, 1626 Leiden edition], Lyons, Barthelemy Vincent, 1630 § Everard (Giles) Panacea; or the Universal Medicine, being a Discovery of the Wonderfull Vertues of Tobacco..., first edition, 8pp. catalogue at end, lacking frontispiece, paper flaw tear of margin of E2, contemporary sheep, rubbed, spine worn and defective, [Wing E3530], for Simon Miller, 1659, 8vo (2)⁂ The first is a scarce work on tobacco with plates depicting tobacco plants, methods of cultivation & processing, and pipes. These are the same plates as in the first Latin edition of 1622 and are the first depictions of native Americans growing tobacco. Only one copy of this edition has appeared at auction, in 1948, also with only 8 engravings.Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date not noted.

Trani imprint.- Rendella (Propsero) Tractatus de pascuis, defensis, forestis, & Aquis... De olea, et oleo commentaria..., title in red and black and with engraved printer's device, some spotting, lightly browned, upper hinge cracked, contemporary vellum, soiled, Trani, Lorenzo Valeri, 1630; and 2 others, including a defective Gesner, 1587, 4to & 8vo (3)⁂ Rare provincially printed first edition of this treatise on the legal and economic aspects of agriculture, by the Neapolitan lawyer Rendella. Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1930.

*** Please note, the description of this lot has changed *** Markham (Gervase) Markham's Master-Piece: Containing All knowledge belonging to the Smith, Farrier, or Horse-Leech, fourth edition, engraved additional pictorial title, large folding woodcut, woodcut illustrations, lacking pp.481-512, later calf, rebacked and recornered, [Poynter 20.4; STC 17378], by Nicholas Okes, 1631; and 5 others by the same (6)*** Provenance: first mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1929.

Herbal.- Gerard (John) The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes, second edition, engraved title by John Payne laid down, numerous woodcut illustrations, A1 head torn and repaired, repairs to worming in margin of first c.250pp., occasionally slightly affecting text or illustrations, single worm hole to next c.150pp. likewise mostly marginal and only occasionally just touching text, tear to 6A6 and 6B3, lacking initial and final blank, 18th century calf, joints and extremities worn, [STC 11751; Henrey 155; Hunt 223; Nissen BBI 698], folio, Printed by Adam Islip, Joice Norton and Richard Whitakers, 1633.⁂ Second edition of the most famous early English herbal. The engraved title includes a portrait of the author holding a spray of potato foliage with flower and berry in his hand - displaying Gerard's considerable knowledge of this plant in English circles.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1918.

Bees.- Levett (John) The ordering of Bees: or, the True History of Managing them...with their hony and wax, showing their nature and Breed, first edition, woodcut frontispiece, woodcut device on title and woodcut decorations, some marginal repairs, dust-soiled, especially frontispiece and title, bottom and fore-edges uncut, early 20th century olive green morocco, gilt, by W. Pratt, gilt arms to covers, t.e.g., [STC 15555; British Bee Books 24; Fussell I, p.28], small 4to, Printed by Thomas Harper, for John Harison, 1634.⁂ Scarce and important early study of bees, their behaviour and management. With a prefatory verse by Samuel Purchas.Rothamsted acquisition date 1925.

Grapaldus (Franciscus Marius) De Partibus Aedium, collation: ✠8 ✠✠8 ✠✠✠4 a-q8 r6 s-z8 &8 [cum] 8 [rum] 8 A-G8 H4, (lacking final blank), large woodcut portrait of the author on title, numerous woodcut decorated initials, on black or criblé ground, sunburst device on verso of final leaf, title browned, inner margin extended with minor loss to border of portrait, a few marginal water-stains, wormholes to last quire, inner margin of last leaf extended, small repair to penultimate leaf, occasional soiling, a few contemporary Latin marginalia, reading marks and maniculae, early 18th-century calf, spine with five raised bands, compartments in gilt, 4to (200 x 139mm.), Parma, Francesco Ugoleto and Ottaviano Saladi for Antonio Quinziano, 1516.⁂ The definitively revised edition of this important treatise, which first appeared in Parma in 1494, and relates to gardening, domestic arts, and gastronomy. This new edition was published a year after Grapaldi's death in 1515, and is the first to contain, as a possible homage to the author, the large portrait on the title-page. The text is significantly enlarged and corrected and supplemented with a table of contents and an index. All subsequent editions are based on this 1516 publication.Rothamsted acquisition date 1915.Literature: Adams G1009; Cicognara 520; Fowler 145; Mortimer Italian 220; Sander 3254; Simon BG 789.

Bees.- Butler (Rev. Charles) The Feminin' Monarchi', or the Histori of Bee's..., third edition, woodcut illustration with verses on verso of title, woodcut head-pieces, initials and diagrams, musical notation, title torn & slightly frayed at fore-edge and with small repair to lower inner margin, browned, rather soiled and stained, modern half calf, red morocco label, [British Bee Books 18; STC 4194; Walker Catalogue p.12], small 4to, Oxford, by William Turner, 1634.⁂ The first edition written in the phonetic spelling devised by the author. Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1917.

Geology.- Palissy (Bernard) Le Moyen de Devenir Riche et la Maniere veritable par laquelle tous les hommes de la France pourront apprendre à mulitplier & augmenter les thresors & possessions, 2 parts in 1, woodcut ornaments to titles, first part lacking final blank, second part with final blank, occasional worming, mostly marginal, water-stained, contemporary limp vellum, rebacked in contemporary richly gilt calf, this torn and chipped, 8vo, Paris, Robert Foüet, 1636.⁂ First collected edition of Palissy's two major works: La Recepte Veritable and Discours admirables. Palissy discusses a variety of subjects, including agriculture, geology (origin of salts, springs, precious stones, and rock formations), mines, and forestry. Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1926.Literature: Duveen, p. 446; Honeyman 2394; Wellcome I, 4699.

Crescentiis (Petrus de) Von dem nutz der ding die in Aeckeren gebuwe werdt, collation: a-z6 A-E6 F8 (complete with final blank), printed in gothic letter, title in red and black, full-page woodcut on verso of a6 depicting the Creation, the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Garden of Eden etc, very many woodcut illustrations, all woodcuts coloured by a contemporary hand, woodcut initials, first gathering with some worming and fraying to margins repaired (no loss of text), lower corner of b1 torn away and restored with loss to several words of text on both sides, a couple of other tears just into text, some foxing and soiling, early ink annotations in red on title, Strassburg, Johann Schott for Johann Knobloch & Paul Goetz, 1518; bound with Columella and Palladius. Das Aeckerwerck, translated by Michael Herr, collation: A-Z6 a-b6 c4 d-n6 o8 (complete with blank leaf A6), printed in gothic letter, woodcut device on verso of final leaf, a few woodcut illustrations and diagrams, woodcut gothic initials, tear through half of B4, some foxing and marginal staining, Strassburg, Wendelin I. Rihel, 1538, together 2 works in 1, contemporary blind-stamped pigskin over wooden boards, soiled and slightly stained, clasps intact, corners worn, folio (293 x 200mm.)⁂ The first work is the fourth edition of Crescentiis in German and is illustrated with over 250 woodcuts (some repeats), about half of which are of plants and the remainder depict a variety of agricultural activities, including an excellent series on viticulture and wine-making. The edition appears occasionally at auction but this is the only copy we can trace in which all the woodcuts are fully coloured. The second work is rare and comprises the first German edition of two of the works of the Scriptores Rei Rusticae.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1928.Literature: 1st work: IA 146.745; Lindner 11.0405.04; Nissen BBI 425; Simon BG 407; Simon BB II 170; VD16 P1835; 2nd work: VD 16 C 4621; Ritter 561; Muller 397.31.

Bees.- Remnant (Richard) A Discourse or Historie of Bees...whereunto is added the causes, and cure of blasted Wheat..., first edition, title with typographic border, woodcut head-piece and initials, contemporary ink inscription "Left by Mrs Champion to be bd for Mrs John Edwards of Dover..." to verso of final leaf, lightly soiled and water-stained, marginal tear to B4 & C2 affecting side-notes but no loss, modern half sprinkled sheep, roan label, [British Bee Books 26; Fussell I p.28; STC 20879; Walker Catalogue p.59], small 4to, by Robert Young for Thomas Slater, 1637.⁂ Very rare; ESTC lists only 3 locations in the UK (BL, National Library of Scotland and Lincoln College Oxford) and 3 in America. The last copy sold at auction was in 1979 (£480). Rothamsted acquisition date 1942."Fraser's History describes this as a book ahead of its time; for instance Remnant knew that the workers were female." British Bee Books

Ferrari (Giovanni Battista) Flora overo Cultura di Fiori, first edition in Italian, engraved allegorical frontispiece, engraved title and 45 plates (as part of collation) after Variana, Cortona, Reni and Sacchi, one with marginal tear, one with small paper flaw hole within image, lacking errata leaf at end, some browning, heavy to some gatherings, occasional water-staining, 19th century half vellum over decorative boards, [Nissen BBI 620; Pritzel 2877], 4to, Rome, Per Pier' Ant. Facciotti, 1638.⁂ First edition in Italian of Ferrari's De florum cultura, using the same illustrations as the 1633 Latin edition, depicting plants, flower arrangements and gardening implements (including one of mole-traps).Rothamsted acquisition date 1920.

[Plattes (Gabriel)] A Discovery of Subterraneall Treasure, viz. of all Manner of Mines and Mineralls, first edition, woodcut initials and decorations, title and final f. browned, creased and frayed, final f. with burn-hole to foot and some minor loss to text, ink ownership inscriptions, bookplate, contemporary half calf, [ESTC 2000; Sabin 63360], small 4to, I. Okes for Jasper Emery, 1639.⁂ Includes "interesting notices of the gold and silver mines in Peru, New England, Virginia, the Bermudas, and other parts of America" - Sabin. Provenance: Thomas Evans; Richard Bolton (ink ownership inscriptions); William Chadwell Mylne (1781-1863), civil engineer and architect (bookplate). Rothamsted acquisition date 1928..

Herbal.- Parkinson (John) Theatrum Botanicum, The Theater of Plantes, first edition, engraved title frayed and laid down, over 2700 woodcut illustrations, lacking 4 preliminary leaves (including initial blank), errata leaf at end laid down, 3D1 from a smaller copy, a couple of burn-holes and paper flaws causing slight loss of text, last few leaves of index frayed with some loss, slight worming to lower margin towards end, late 18th century russia, gilt, rebacked, extremities worn, [STC 19302; Henrey 286; Hunt 235; Nissen BBI 1490], folio, Printed by Tho. Cotes, 1640.⁂ Monumental English herbal listing some 3800 plants.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1928.

Coke (Sir Edward) The Compleate Copy-Holder, Wherein is Contained a Learned Discourse of the Antiquity and Nature of Manors and Copy-Holds. With All Things Thereto Incident, As Surrenders, Presentments, Admittances, Forfeitures, Customes, &c. Necessary, Both for the Lord and Tenant. Together, with the Forme of Keeping a Copy-Hold Court, and Court Baron, first edition, title within typographic border, woodcut initials and head-pieces, N1 soiled, Q1 torn and repaired, a few ff. with minor damp-staining, some very minor worming to head, occasional ink notes in a contemporary hand, a wide-margined copy, contemporary calf, joints cracked but holding firm, spine ends and corners bumped, rubbed, [Wing C4912[, 4to, by T. Cotes, for W. Cooke, 1641.

Fens Drainage.- Vermuyden (Sir Cornelius) A Discourse touching the Drayning the Great Fennes...lying Within the severall Counties of Lincolne, Northampton, Huntingdon, Norfolke, Suffolke, Cambridge, and the Isle of Ely, first edition, with the rare A1 leaf with large woodcut of Royal arms, title with typographical border, folding engraved map by Tho.Cross, woodcut illustrations, ink signature of Wm. Palmer to recto of A1 and comments "collated & perfect" and "wth ye Mapp" in earlier hand, map with a couple of short tears to edges (repaired and mounted on stub), text browned, a few leaves reinforced at edges, modern russet morocco, spine slightly faded, [Wing V241], 4to, by Thomas Fawcet, 1642.⁂ Vermuyden (1595-1677), a Dutch engineer, wrote this discourse for Charles I in 1637, although it was not published until 1642, and made two proposals: washes (areas of land permitted to flood in times of very wet weather) and a catchdrain at the eastern edge of the fen. The washes were constructed in the 1650s but the catchdrain not until the 1960s. Having been appointed as agent by Charles I in 1639 the Civil War interrupted the works and did not proceed again until 1649, being completed in 1652.ESTC lists 7 UK locations including this Rothamsted copy, but the collation given (?BL) is lacking the first leaf. Only 2 copies have appeared at auction.

Herbal.- Theophrastus. De Historia plantarum libri decem, first edition edited by Joannes Bodaeus à Stapel, double column. text in Latin and Greek, fine engraved pictorial title, numerous woodcut botanical illustrations, small part of upper margin of title repaired, 4Y1 section of margin torn away, affecting a few letters, sig. 5H misbound, small wormholes to upper margins, occasional spotting, [Hunt 240], 20th century half calf, gilt spine in compartments and with red leather labels, corners worn, rubbed, folio, Amsterdam, apud Henricum Laurentium, 1644. ⁂ 'It is interesting not only because of the brilliance of the editing, but, curiously enough, to the American botanist as well, for involving in the discussion certain species from Virginia, other parts of the New World, and Asia. The illustrations of these plants have been largely overlooked in botanical history, because of their incidental presence in a work which might not be expected to contain anything of the sort. Some were merely borrowed from l'Escluse or de Lobel, but others seem original in this work' (H.H. Bartlett, Fifty-five Rare Books, quoted by Hunt ).

The Quartermaster's Map.- Jenner (Thomas) The Kingdome of England & Principality of Wales...Usefull for all Comanders for Quarteringe of Souldiers, first edition, engraved title and 6 large folding maps by Wenceslaus Hollar, contemporary manuscript captions to versos, many tears to folds, generally clean, last map with some tape repairs, title slightly frayed at edges, contemporary calf, upper joint split, rubbed, [Wing H2447; Shirley, British Isles 537], tall 8vo, Sold by Thomas Jenner at the South entrance of ye Exchange, 1644.⁂ A reduced version of Saxton's large wall-map of 1583, this pocket version, known as The Quartermaster's Map, was much used during the Civil War, especially by Parliamentarian commanders.

Tanara (Vincenzo) L'Economia del Cittadino in Villa...libri VII, first edition, engraved title vignette, woodcut initials, colophon leaf with woodcut printer's device at end, a little soiled and browned, remains of wax seal at foot of title, contemporary vellum, rubbed and soiled, Bologna, Giacomo Monti, 1644 § Gallo (Agostino) Le Vinti Giornate dell'Agricoltura..., woodcut printer's device on title and 18 full-page illustrations at end, old ink inscription "Libreria Puinali" at head of title, Venice, Domenico Imberti, 1607 bound with Rosaccio (Gioseppe) Considerationi...nelle quali si tratta brevemente dell'Origine, & Divisione del Tempo, Anno..., woodcut device on title, initials and small illustrations of the signs of the Zodiac and the planets, with c.20pp. of contemporary manuscript notes on astrology and extracts from Crescentiis bound in at end, Verona, Bortolamio Merlo, 1624, together 2 works in 1 vol., water-staining, later half calf, spine gilt § Falcone (Giuseppe) La Nuova Vaga et Dilettevole Villa, woodcut initials, with final blank, title browned and torn with slight loss to imprint (laid down), loose in binding, contemporary limp vellum, stained,spine defective at head, Venice, Lucio Spineda, 1612; and 2 others, v.s. (5)

Markham (Gervase) A Way to Get Wealth, 6 parts in 1 vol., seventh edition, lacking A2 (title to first part) and final blank, woodcut illustrations, contemporary calf, rebacked, [Wing M675; Poynter 34.7, by B.A. for John Harison, 1648; and 5 others, Markham, small 4to (6)

Blith (Walter) The English Improover, or A new Survey of Husbandry, Discovering to the kingdome, that some land, both arrable and pasture, may be advanced double or treeble; other land to a five or tenfold: and some to a twenty fold improvement: yea, some now not worth above one, or two shillings per acre, be made worth thirty, or forty, if not more, first edition, a few ff. trimmed close at head, 20th century calf, gilt, spine faded, [Fussell pp.51-52; McDonald pp.97-103; Wing B3193], small 4to, printed for I. Wright at the Kings Head in the Old-Bayley, 1649.⁂ Robert Trow-Smith in his English Husbandry, 1951 calls Blith "the greatest of the mid-seventeenth century writers".

Hartlib (Samuel).- [Weston (Sir Richard)] A Discours of Husbandrie used in Brabant and Flanders, shewing the Wonderfull improvement of Land there; and serving as a pattern for our practice in this Common-wealth, first edition, re-issue with cancel title showing correct date, woodcut device on title and decorations and initials, lacking final blank, modern cloth-backed boards, roan label, [Fussell p.42; Wing W1482a; cf. Hunt 249, 1st issue], small 4to, by William Du-Gard [for Samuel Hartlib], 1650.⁂ Scarce work published by Hartlib without the author's consent. Weston was one of the first to adopt canals and locks and to introduce the rotation of clover, flax and turnips. ESTC lists only 3 copies in UK (not BL) and 4 in America.

Hartlib (Samuel) Samuel Hartlib His Legacie: or an Enlargement of the Discourse of Husbandry, used in Brabant and Flaunders; wherein are bequeathed to the Common-wealth of England more Outlandish and Domestick Experiments and Secrets in reference to Universall Husbandry, first edition, lightly browned, one or two rust-spots, paper flaw hole to A3 with loss of a few letters, final leaf frayed at upper outer corner, later half calf, rubbed, [Fussell p.43; McDonald pp.68-78; Perkins 759; Wing H989; cf.Hunt 264], small 4to, by H. Hills, for Richard Wodenothe, 1651.

[Hartlib (Samuel)] A Designe for Plentie, By an Universall Planting of Fruit-Trees, first edition, woodcut device on title, woodcut decorations, later green half calf by Sizer, [Wing H984; Goldsmiths' 1289; Fussell I, p.46], small 4to, Printed for Richard Wodenothe in Leadenhall street, over against Leaden-hall, [1652].⁂ In his preface Hartlib calls this work a "fore-runner to a larger Volume of Fruit-trees", namely his friend Ralph Austen's A Treatise of Fruit Trees, published the following year.

Cato (Marcus Porcius), Marcus Terentius Varro, Junius Moderatus Columella and Rutilius Taurus Palladius. Libri de re rustica, edited by Niccolò Angeli, collation: AA8 BB12 a-z8 &8 Ɔ8 K8 Aa8 Bb6 A-O8 P12, a few woodcuts within text, initial spaces with guide-letters, final f. with woodcut printer's device, otherwise blank, occasional early ink marginalia, 18th century dark green morocco, richly gilt spine in compartments and with leather label, spine faded to brown, rubbed at extremities, g.e., [Florence], [Heirs of Philip Giunta], 1521; and a 1535 Basel edition of the same, small 4to (mentioned 199 x 133mm.) (2)⁂ Provenance: 'F.H. Cripps-Day, 1900'. (ink signature to front free endpaper). First mentioned Rothamsted acquisition date 1942. Literature: Not in Adams; EDIT 16 CNCE 28760; Simon, BG, 312.

Ireland.- Boate (Gerard) Irelands Naturall History. Being a true and ample description of its situation, greatness, shape, and nature... what diseases it is free from, or subject unto. Conducing the advancement of navigation, husbandry, and other profitable arts and trades, first edition, errata f. at end, browning, contemporary calf, spine ends chipped, upper joint cracked, [Wing B3372], 8vo, John Wright, 1652.⁂ Scarce. "Boate describes natural resources plainly and systematically to produce a coherent regional geography... his aim was systematic description as a prelude to improvement by and for protestant settlers: consequently the natural features of the country are described with enthusiasm to interest new settlers, but the Irish are reproached for their failure to improve the land and for their unruliness and disorderliness" (ODNB).

Surveying.- Leybourn (William) The Compleat Surveyor: Containing the whole Art of Surveying of Land, by the Plain Table, Theodolite, Circumferentor, and Peractor, first edition, engraved portrait frontispiece, title in red and black within typographic border, numerous woodcut illustrations and diagrams, foxing and soiling, one small burn-hole in text, I1 with circular piece cut from margin, affecting ruled border but not text, contemporary calf, worn, [Wing L1907], folio, Printed by R. and W. Leybourn, for E. Brewster and G. Sawbridge, 1653.⁂ Quite scarce at auction, the work was first issued under the pseudonym of Oliver Wallinby and under the title Planometria, or the Whole Art of Surveying Land, in 1650 (see lot 271). In 1666 Leybourn was one of six surveyors given the task of measuring the damage caused by the Great Fire of London.Provenance: Anthony Methwin (several ink inscriptions to endpapers, one at end dated 1669).

Fruit-trees.- Austen (Ralph) A Treatise of Fruit-Trees, Shewing the Manner of Grafting, Setting, Pruning, and Ordering of them in all Respects..., first edition, engraved pictorial title by I. Goddard, woodcut initials and head- & tail-pieces, title and D2 slightly defective at outer margin, lower margin of G4 torn through catchword, light water-staining at end, contemporary sheep, rubbed, a few scuffs, spine faded, [Fussell pp.48-49; Henrey 5; Kress 867; Wing A4238], small 4to, Oxford, for Tho. Robinson, 1653.⁂ Including a second part 'The Spirituall Use, of an Orchard; or Garden of Fruit-trees', which attempted to demonstrate the role the orchard could play in personal happiness.

Enclosures.- [Lee (Joseph)] Considerations concerning Common Fields and Inclosures, Dialoguewise, Digested into a Deliberative Discourse between two supposed friends, Philopeustus and Parrhesiastes, first edition, title soiled and trimmed at foot affecting final line of imprint, 20th century calf, gilt, [Wing L843], small 4to, for Abel Roper, [1653].⁂ Rare at auction. Written in response to John Moore's The Crying Sin of England, of not caring for the Poor.

Plat (Sir Hugh) The Jewel House of Art and Nature: containing Divers Rare and Profitable Inventions, together with sundry new experiments in in [sic] the Art of Husbandry. With divers Chymical Conclusions concerning the Art of Distillation, second edition, title with woodcut border, woodcut illustrations, title creased, first gathering a little damp-stained, shaved at foot, with occasional loss to signatures and catch-words, R3 with hole to margin, not affecting text, 2G1 with 2 chips to foot, touching text, 20th century half calf, [Bitting p.373; Kress 889; Goldsmiths' 1294; Simon BG 1186; Wing P2390], printed by Elizabeth Alsop, and are to be sold at her house in Grubstreet, near the Upper Pump, 1653.

Blith (Walter) The English Improver Improved or the Survey of Husbandry Surveyed, Discovering the Improveableness of all Lands, title over 2 ff., the first engraved pictorial, 2 folding engraved plates and 2 full-page wood-engraved illustrations, occasional worming to outer margin, engraved title closely shaved with loss to head and foot, light offsetting, ink ownership inscription of R.E.Prothero, later calf, lacking spine, rubbed and scuffed, [Wing B3196], Printed for John Wright at the Kings-Head in the Old-Bayley, 1653; and the 1649 edition of the same, small 4to (2)⁂ Provenance: Rowland Edmund Prothero, 1851-1937, British agricultural expert, journalist, author and Conservative politician.

Gardens.- [Barker (Thomas)] The Country-mans Recreation, or the Art of Planting, Graffing, and Gardening, in three Books, second edition, lacking the third part 'The Art of Angling', also F2 in second part (pp. 41-42, woodcuts of knot gardens), woodcut illustrations, some full-page of knot gardens, soiled, some browning, worming (mostly to lower margins but with slight loss towards end), title laid down, some other repairs, later half calf, [Henrey 48; Wing B784], by T.Mabb, for William Shears, 1654 § [Worlidge (John)], "J.Woolridge". Systema Horti-culturae: or, The Art of Gardening, third edition, engraved additional title and 3 plates, advertisement leaf at end, D7 & 8 and R5 torn, contemporary ink inscriptions, some ink stains, soiling, contemporary reversed calf, rubbed, [Henrey 374; Wing W3606], for Tho. Dring, 1688 § Bradley (Richard) New Improvements of Planting and Gardening, 3 parts in 1, second edition, titles in red and black, 7 engraved plates, most folding, advertisement leaf at end of parts 1 & 3, [Henrey 497], for W.Mears, 1718; The Gentleman and Gardeners Kalendar, first edition, title in red and black, engraved frontispiece and 4 plates, 4pp. advertisements at end, [Henrey 488], for W. Mears, 1718, together two works in 1 vol., water-staining, contemporary calf, spine worn and defective, 4to & 8vo (3)

Hartlib (Samuel) The Reformed Common-Wealth of Bees...with The Reformed Virginian Silk-Worm..., 2 parts in 1 (first part bound after the second), first edition, first part with 2 woodcut illustrations and one engraved, title to the second part with typographical border, worming to lower margin touching a few letters, [British Bee Books 33; Wing H997],for Giles Calvert, 1655 bound with Samuel Hartlib His Legacie: or an Enlargement of the Discourse of Husbandry used in Brabant & Flaunders..., second edition, [Wing H990], by R. & W. Leybourn, for Richard Wodenothe, 1652, together 2 works in 1 vol., the second work bound first, browned, some soiling, old manuscript note in Latin tipped to title of second work (title becoming loose), later calf, rubbed, upper cover detached, small 4to⁂ The Legacie contains two additional parts: 'An Appendix to the Legacie...' and An Interrogatory relating...to...Ireland'.