Tull (Jethro) The New Horse-Houghing Husbandry: or, an Essay on the Principles of Tillage and Vegetation. Wherein is shewn, a Method of Introducing a Sort of Vineyard-culture into the Corn-fields, in order to increase their Product, and Diminish the Common Expence, by the use of Instruments Lately Invented, first edition, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, some very light foxing or spotting to title and final f., but otherwise internally a remarkably clean and fine example, 20th century morocco-backed boards, uncut, [Fussell p.1; PMM 188; not in Goldsmiths' or Kress], 4to, Printed for the Author, 1731. ⁂ The rare first edition of this pioneering work, which acted as a catalyst for debate on agricultural methods. Most notable were Tull's seed drill, which sowed economical neat rows of seed and his horse-drawn hoe, which cleared weeds and, in his opinion, reduced the need for manures as the pulverisation of the hoe released the nutrients in the soil. Both met with an initial reluctance, but were slowly adopted and formed the basis for modern farming.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1919.
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Fruit-trees.- Two New and Curious Essays: I. Concerning the best Methods of Pruning Fruit-Trees...II. A Discourse concerning the Improvement of that Excellent Root the Potatoe..., first edition, title and final leaf soiled, a few leaves slightly frayed at corners, browning, one or two small stains, modern boards, [Henrey 1445], 8vo, for W.Bickerton [& others], 1732.⁂ Rare; ESTC lists only 3 copies in the UK (BL, Oxford & Royal Agricultural Society of England) and 5 in America. Henrey lists 4 copies including the Lindley Library of the Royal Horticultural Society. We can find no example sold at auction but for part of a collection of pamphlets in 1989.
![Brewing.- [Ellis (William)] The London and Country Brewer, modern calf, spine faded, Dublin, Printed by M. Rhames, for R. Gun](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/9e065cb6-a2a1-4921-c90b-9d6e0cbf81fe/468x382.jpg)
Brewing.- [Ellis (William)] The London and Country Brewer, modern calf, spine faded, Dublin, Printed by M. Rhames, for R. Gunne, 1735.⁂ Corresponds to part 1 (of 3) of the first English edition. Rare, ESTC locates 7 copies (only one of which, Library of Congress, is in N. America). No record of a Dublin edition, or London with such an early date, at auction.
Dictionary.- Aquino (Carlo d') Nomenclator Agriculturæ Authore, half-title, title with engraved vignette, woodcut historiated initials, some marginal staining, occasional spotting, contemporary marbled rappers, spine rather worn, 4to, Rome, Antonio de Rubeis, 1736.⁂ Rare first edition of this dictionary of agricultural terminology in classical Latin literature.
Swift (Jonathan).- MacAulay (Alexander) Some Thoughts on the Tillage of Ireland. Humbly Dedicated to the Parliament. To which is Prefixed, a Letter to the Printer, from the Reverend Doctor Swift, Dean of St. Patrick's, recommending the following Treatise., first Dublin edition, half-title, library cloth, [Fussell p.16; Teerink 769], 8vo, Dublin, George Faulkner, 1738.⁂ A rare piece of Swiftiana, we can trace no copy at auction in the last 70 years.
![Fens Drainage.- [Leaford (John)] Some Observations made of the Frequent Drowned Condition of the South Level of the Fenns, an](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/9595719f-6ea9-43ae-b195-067b3cba9359/468x382.jpg)
Fens Drainage.- [Leaford (John)] Some Observations made of the Frequent Drowned Condition of the South Level of the Fenns, and of the Works made for Draining the same..., 24pp., some lines crossed out in ink, with additional unsigned leaf 'An Estimate of the Charge to compleat the Works...' and a blank leaf bound in at end (neither called for in ESTC), 1740 bound with Labelye (Charles) The Result of a View of the Great Level of the Fens, taken...in July 1745, errata leaf (crossed through in ink and with corrections made to text in contemporary hand), folding engraved map of 'Cambridge-shire and the Great Level of ye Fenns' by Sir Jonas Moore bound in at end of volume (slightly browned, and reinforced at inner edge), by George Woodfall, 1745 and Some Observations on John Leaford's Scheme for Draining the South Level...By a Person of Quality..., 12pp., A2 lacking small portion from outer margin (repaired), final leaf with tear to lower margin, Cambridge, by R.Walker and T.James, 1746 and Leaford (John) Some True Observations on the Present Condition of the Fenns: in a Letter to the Gentlemen of that Honourable Coroporation, 8pp., Cambridge, by R.Walker and T.James, 1746, together 4 works in 1 vol., first editions, some browning, light damp-staining to some upper margins, contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, vellum tips, rubbed & scuffed, rebacked, 4to⁂ All rare: the first has only 4 UK copies listed on ESTC (BL, Cambridge, Bodleian and this copy) and 2 locations in America; the second item 5 UK locations not including Rothamsted, and 2 American; the third and fourth items are not listed by ESTC, COPAC or WorldCat.
![[James (Robert)] The Rational Farmer, and Practical Husbandman by the Author of the new Medicinal Dictionary, to which is add](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/d9634112-e35d-46c6-8ce2-c80577becd95/468x382.jpg)
[James (Robert)] The Rational Farmer, and Practical Husbandman by the Author of the new Medicinal Dictionary, to which is added, the British Herbal, 2 parts in 1 vol., first edition, engraved frontispiece, trimmed to margin and laid down, first part double column, second part with woodcut botanical illustrations, occasional browning, Z2 repaired with some minor loss to text, library cloth, [not in Fussell], 4to, Printed and sold by the booksellers of London and Westminster, 1743.⁂ Rare; ESTC lists only 4 copies and we can only trace the Cetus copy at auction.
Geoponica, Latin.- Cassii Dionysii Vticensis de Agricultura Libri XX. Desyderati diu, & Falso hactenus Constntino caes. adscripti. Iano Cornario Medico interprete, collation: a-z8, woodcut printer's device to title, woodcut decorative initials, some spotting and staining, some browning, contemporary limp vellum, remains of ties, Lyon, Antonius Vincentius, 1553 [but 1543]; and 2 others, continental, 8vo (mentioned 160 x 102mm.) & 4to (3)⁂ The rare second Lyon edition. Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1919.Literature: Adams G450.
Scotland.- Letter (A) to a Gentleman in Edinburgh, concerning Mr. Graeme of Argomery's Improvements of Moss, and the Benefits of these Improvements to the Nation, title browned, for Hamilton & Balfour, 1754 bound with Graeme (Hugh) Memorial anent the Moss Culture by Mr. Graeme..., cropped with slight loss to imprint and some catchwords, by Hamilton, Balfour & Neill, 1756, together 2 works in 1 vol., first editions, later calf, rubbed, spine worn and chipped, joints split, 8vo, Edinburgh ⁂ Both rare: only 3 UK locations of the first on ESTC (Edinburgh University Library, National Library of Scotland and Bodleian) plus 2 in America; and 2 copies of the second (National Library of Scotland and Bodleian, none in America).
Foulis.- Dublin Society's Weekly Observations (The) for the Advancement of Agriculture and Manufactures, 4 folding engraved plates, front free endpaper clipped at head, bookplate, contemporary calf, rubbed and scuffed, [Gaskell 313; Henrey p.606], 8vo, Glasgow, Robert & Andrew Foulis, 1756.⁂ Rare, we can trace no copy at auction in the last 50 years. Originally issued in 52 parts collected here for the first time. Includes sections on cider-making, hops and beer-making.
Foulis.- The Flax-Husbandman and Flax-Dresser Instructed: Or, the Best Methods of Flax-Husbandry and Flax Dressing Explained, in Several Letters, by the Gentlemen of the Dublin Society, lacking initial advertisement f., occasional spotting, a few ff. creased, 19th century half morocco, spine browned, [Gaskell 314], 8vo, Glasgow, Printed and sold by Robert & Andrew Foulis, 1756.⁂ Rare, ESTC lists the National Library of Scotland and Harvard copies only.
Madder.- Miller (Philip) The Method of Cultivating Madder, as it is now practised by the Dutch in Zealand: with their manner of Drying, Stamping, and Manufacturing it for Use. Embellished with Draughts of their Buildings and Kilns erected for that Purpose. To which is added, The Method of Cultivating Madder in England, first edition, large engraved hand-coloured folding plate of the Madder plant and 6 plain plates (5 folding), title and final f. browned, library cloth, [Henrey 1146], 4to, for the Author, 1758.⁂ Rare at auction, we can trace no copy in the last 50 years. The introduction of the red dye plant madder to England had long occupied Miller as large quantities had to be imported from Holland to meet demand.
Trades.- Meil (Johann Wilhelm) Spectaculum Naturae & Artium, 2 vol. in 1, first edition, titles in German and French with decorative wood-engraved border, text in German, Latin, French and Italian in four columns, 50 engraved plates by Meil, wood-engraved tail-pieces, contemporary boards, chipped and rubbed, 4to, Berlin, G.L.Winter, 1761.⁂ Charming rare polyglot pictorial encyclopaedia of trades, crafts and technology, including beekeeping, printing, engraving, zoo keeping, scientific instruments, military and naval equipment, building and construction.
Political Economy.- Mirabeau (Victor Riqueti de) and Francois Quesnay. Philosophie Rurale, ou Economie Generale et Politique de l'Agriculture, first edition, half-title, 3 engraved tables, woodcut device on title, woodcut head-piece, occasional minor spotting, contemporary French mottled calf, spine gilt in compartments with red morocco label, [Kress 6120; Tchemerzine IV, 286], 4to, Amsterdam [i.e. Paris], chez les Libraires Associes, 1763.⁂ An excellent copy of this highly important and extremely rare collaborative work on the Physiocratic doctrine. The Journal des Economistes II, p.66 calls this work "le meilleur de Mirabeau." The last copy to appear at auction was in 1978.
Printed in green.- Feijoó y Montenegro (Benito Jerónimo) The Honour and Advantage of Agriculture. Translated... By a Farmer in Cheshire, printed in green throughout, occasional spotting, water-stain to title, bookplates, contemporary half calf, spine gilt, [Goldsmiths 9957], 8vo, Dublin, William Williamson, 1764.⁂ A rare and unusual work, a printed note at the end reads: "This is the first work ever printed in green, which is not only a preservative but also a restorative to sight."Provenance: Sir Charles Anderson, Lea Hall; Ernest Ridley Debenham (bookplates).
Seed drill.- Randall (John) (Pursuant to the notice thrown out by the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce.) The construction and extensive use of a newly invented universal seed-furrow plough (from time to time expos'd to the public view of abundance of people.) Upon an easy, steady principle, suited to all soils, stiff or light, level or ridg'd; and capable of sowing all sorts of seeds, in three rows, thicker or thinner, deeper or shallower, and the furrows or rows nearer or further asunder, just as the owner pleases, first edition, 7 folding engraved plates, occasional foxing or light browning, offsetting, plate 3 repaired at head (not affecting image), library cloth, [Fussell pp.58-59], 4to, Sold by John Wilkie, in St.Paul's Church Yard, [1764]. ⁂ Rare at auction. Here Randall is continuing the Tullian debate. He highlights the advantages of the Tullian system, especially when carried out with the aid of the 'ingenious' implements he has designed. His seed-furrow plough, along the lines of Tull's drill, was criticised as being too complicated and his system of husbandry was described by a fellow agricultural writer John Wynne Baker as 'founded on the labours of others'.
Cesar (Constantin) Les XX livres de Constantin Cesar, ausquels sont traictes les bons enseignemens d'Agriculture, collation: A-Q6 R4, title within woodcut composite border, initial spaces with guide-letters, L1 hole within text, occasional staining, later calf-backed marbled boards, corners worn, edges worn, folio (340x 214mm.), Poitiers, Jean & Enguilbert de Marnef, frères, 1543.⁂ The extremely rare first edition. Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1943.
Poverty.- Penkethman (John) Authentic accounts of the history and price of wheat, bread, malt etc. from the coming in of William the Conqueror, to Michaelmas 1745, 2 engraved folding plates (neatly repaired), several ff. trimmed close at outer margin, [Goldsmiths 8337; Kress 6289], R.Davis, 1765 bound after Onely (Richard) An Account of the Care taken in Most Civilized Nations for the Relief of the Poor,?lacking half-title, surface-soiling to title, for R.Davis, 1765, together 2 works in 1 vol., library cloth, small 4to.⁂ Both rare, the second listed not in BL.
Locke (John) Observations upon the Growth and Culture of Vines and Olives: the Production of Silk: the Preservation of Fruits, first edition, light browning to title and final f., later boards, spine chipped at head, [Henrey 986; Hunt 592], 8vo, Printed for W. Sandby, in Fleet Street. [by Richardson and Clark], 1766. ⁂ Rare at auction. Researched and written during Locke's time convalescing at Montpellier. The work was submitted as a manuscript to his patron the First Earl of Shaftesbury, but was not published until 87 years later by the fourth Earl.Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1916.
![Foulis.- [Varlo (Charles)] The Modern Farmers Guide. In Two Volumes. A New System of Husbandry: To Which Is Prefixed a Short](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/4e71bc72-3057-43c0-dd79-e8c03f89062f/468x382.jpg)
Foulis.- [Varlo (Charles)] The Modern Farmers Guide. In Two Volumes. A New System of Husbandry: To Which Is Prefixed a Short Abstract of the Author's Life and Travels, 2 vol., 4 folding woodcut plates and 3 folding tables, occasional browning, bookplate, contemporary calf, spine gilt in compartments with red and green morocco labels, [Gaskell 480], 8vo, printed for the author, by Robert and Andrew Foulis, 1768.⁂ A rare work at auction, we can trace no other copy in the last 70 years. Provenance: George Thomas Leaton (bookplate).
Taylor (Adam) A Treatise on the Ananas or Pine-Apple, Containing plain and easy Directions for Raising this Most Excellent Fruit without Fire, and in much Higher Perfection than from the Stove...to which are added, full Directions for raising Melons, first edition, folding hand-coloured engraved frontispiece of a pineapple, folding engraved plate of a pineapple frame, partially hand-coloured, modern cloth, [Henrey 1420; Hunt 604; Bitting p.456], 8vo, Devizes, Printed by T.Burrough, for the Author, 1769. ⁂ Rare. Taylor was writing in response to a growing interest in the pineapple. He was gardener to a J.Sutton at New Park, Devizes.
Indigo manufacture.- Monnereau (Elie) The Complete Indigo-Maker. Containing, an Accurate Account of the Indigo Plant... With Oeconomical Rules... for a Planter how to Manage a Plantation, and Emply his Negoes to the Best Advantage. To which is added, a Treatise on the Culture of Coffee, first English edition, engraved folding frontispiece (closely shaved at foot), surface soiling to title, 20th century morocco-backed cloth, upper joint broken, spine faded, [not in Henrey], 12mo, P.Elmsly, 1769.⁂ Rare, ESTC lists the BL and Wellcome copies only. Monnereau was a planter living in Limonade, Haiti.
![[Young (Arthur)] An Essay on the Management of Hogs; including Experiments on Rearing and Fattening them, first edition, slig](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/8b8575a2-dd06-4260-8483-884106be65db/468x382.jpg)
[Young (Arthur)] An Essay on the Management of Hogs; including Experiments on Rearing and Fattening them, first edition, slightly browned, new endpapers, library cloth, [Fussell pp.70-78; McDonald pp.190-195], Printed for W.Nicoll, No.51, in St. Paul's Church Yard, 1769; and another, second edition of the same, 8vo (2).⁂ Rare.
![Crescentiis (Petrus de) Ruralia Commoda [Italian] Il libro della agricultura, first Italian edition, collation: [*]6 a10 b-c8](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/70aa034e-808d-43aa-f93d-4fccfc926c93/468x382.jpg)
Crescentiis (Petrus de) Ruralia Commoda [Italian] Il libro della agricultura, first Italian edition, collation: [*]6 a10 b-c8 d6 e-g8 h6 i8 l-n6 o8 aa6 bb8 cc6 dd-ff8 gg-ii6 ll-oo6 aaa6 bbb8, 201 leaves (of 202, lacking final blank), text in two columns, 43 lines, type: 2:106/107R, blank spaces for capitals, with guide letters, fol.125 with slight stain causing smudging to text on both sides, some foxing and occasional stains, mostly marginal but in a few places on text block, small marginal burn-hole to last few leaves, some finger-soiling, early 19th-century Italian red morocco, gilt-tooled border to covers, spine with simple gilt rules and lettering, marbled pastedowns and flyleaves, inner gilt dentelles, blue edges, corners and spine ends slightly rubbed, folio (328 x 227mm.), Florence, Nicolaus Laurentii, Alamanus, 15 July 1478.⁂ First edition printed in Italy, and the first edition in Italian or Florentine vernacular.The translator is anonymous but this version was highly praised for its purity and elegance by the Venetian humanist Pietro Bembo. This fine volume passed through the hands of several famous bibliophiles, such as Dimitrij Petrovič Burturlin, formerly director of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, and later resident in Florence, where he possibly purchased this copy. In August 1839 the Parisian sale of his impressive library was announced by the Journal de la Librairie: "Il sera vendu, vers la fin de l'année, la magnifique bibliothèque de feu M. le comte de Boutourlin, composée de plus de vingt-cinq mille volumes [...]On peut affirmer que depuis la vente Mac-Carthy, il n'a pas été livré aux enchères, en France, une collection de livres rares et de manuscrits, comparable à la bibliothèque de M. de Boutourlin; elle est des plus riches en éditions du quinzième siècle". The copy was later acquired by another distinguished book collector, the renowned Dante scholar Lord Vernon, one of the leading figures in the Anglo-Florentine community. Very scarce on the market.Provenance: bookplates of the following: Russian senator and diplomat Count Dimitrij Petrovič Buturlin (1763-1829; see Catalogue de la bibliothèque de feu M. le Comte D. Boutourlin. Deuxième partie, Paris 1840, lot 533, "in-fol. m.r.", sold for the high sum of 26 francs; Lord George John Warren, 5th Baron Vernon (1803-1866; see Catalogue of a choice selected portion of the famous library removed from Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire: including illuminated and other manuscripts, and rare printed books; the property of Lieut. Lord Vernon, London, Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 10-12 June 1918, lot 165); purchased for the sum of £28 by the London bookseller Francis Edwards, 24 July 1918; the Italian bookseller Giuseppe Martini (see Catalogo della libreria di Giuseppe Martini. I. Incunaboli, Milano 1934, lot 142). Rothamsted acquisition date not notedLiterature: ISTC ic00973000; GW 7826; HCR 5837; BMC VI 627; Bod-inc C-483; IGI 3266; Goff C-973; Klebs 311.1; B.IN.G 581; Simon Bibliotheca Bacchica 581.
![Cassianus Bassus. Der veltbaw, od' das buch von der veld arbeyt, collation: [*]4 [hand]4 [dagger]4 a-z A-V4 Gothic letter, n](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/954351b7-0531-4bd3-df05-8c1ba52463e9/468x382.jpg)
Cassianus Bassus. Der veltbaw, od' das buch von der veld arbeyt, collation: [*]4 [hand]4 [dagger]4 a-z A-V4 Gothic letter, near full-page woodcut map, some water-staining and packing, contemporary panelled vellum over boards, with later initials in black 'P. A. Z. L.' and date '1659', lacking leather ties, some ink staining, small 4to (195 x 105mm.), Strasbourg, Balthassar Beck, 1545.⁂ Rare first edition in German of this important work on the countryside. Includes a list of classical authors consulted. Provenance: Rothamsted acquisition date 1929.Literature: VD 16 C 1416.
Marine life.- Battarra (Giovanni Antonio) Epistola selectas de re naturali observationes complectens, engraved vignette to title depicting a lynx, own and fungi, 4 engraved plates (as called for), plus a smaller engraved plate, with a second set of same 5 plates bound in, errata f., some spotting, contemporary pastepaper boards, 4to, Rimini, ex Typa Albertiniana, 1774.⁂ Rare and attractively produced work on marine life and plants; this copy with a duplicate set of plates. Battara was a monk at Rimini, best known for his study of fungi in the area Fungorum Agri Ariminensis historia.
Cabbage and clover husbandry. Description of, and directions for cultivating several curious plants not generally known in England. Particularly Hungarian clover, Swedish cabbage, Several New Grasses, & c., only edition, spotting, 19th century wrappers, loosely inserted in 19th century morocco folder, [Goldsmiths 11106; not in Henrey], 8vo, to be had at Gregg's Coffee-House, 1775.⁂ Rare, one of only 4 copies listed on ESTC. Also includes passages on American Cabbage, Russian Turnep, Siberian Fescue, Oat Grass and Canada Rape.
![Horses.- [Bracken (Henry)] Ten Minutes Advice to Every Gentleman going to purchase a Horse, first Dublin edition, Dublin, Pet](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/13845a33-f4c0-4194-a89c-f82e9f357a1c/468x382.jpg)
Horses.- [Bracken (Henry)] Ten Minutes Advice to Every Gentleman going to purchase a Horse, first Dublin edition, Dublin, Peter Hoey, [?1775] bound after Thompson (Charles) Rules for Bad Horsemen, Dublin, James Hoey, 1771 and Worlidge (John) Mr. Worlidge's Two Treatises, engraved title and 5 plates, initial advertisement f., lacking a4 & 5, damp-staining, M.Wotton, 1694, together 3 works in 1 vol., contemporary half calf, rubbed, 8vo.⁂ All rare, the first not on ESTC, the second with only 2 copies (both University College Dublin) and also includes Richard Seymour's The Art of Riding.
Trade Catalogue.- Sharp (James) Descriptions of some of the Utensils in Husbandry, Rolling Carriages, Cart Rollers, and Divided Rollers for Land or Gardens, Mills, Weighing Engines, &c. &c. made and sold by James Sharp, No 15, Leadenhall-Street, London..., 22pp. only (of 28pp., lacking 4pp. 'List of some other Articles...at Mr. Sharp's Manufactory in Tooley-Street' at end and rear docket title), with 16 engraved plates, woodcut illustrations of weighing machine and rolling waggon, title browned & slightly stained and frayed at edges (repaired), some light spotting and soiling, stain to upper edge of first few leaves and plates, a few other marginal repairs, central vertical crease from previous folding, modern cloth, [cf.Kress B.81 & Perkins 1544], oblong 4to, by Benjamin White...and Edward and Charles Dilly, [between 1777 and 1779]. ⁂ Rare trade catalogue of agricultural machinery.
Hogg (William) The New Complete English Farmer; or, The Whole Body of Husbandry Made Perfectly Easy, engraved frontispiece, light offsetting, occasional light browning, 20th century cloth, [Goldsmiths', 11980; not in Fussell], large 12mo, Printed for Alex Hogg, at the King's Arms, [?1780].⁂ Not in British Library. Both editions of this work are rare. Includes arable farming and the breeding of cattle, rabbits, sheep, pigs and poultry.
Fitzherbert (John) The Boke of Husbandry, collation: A-M8, printed entirely in black letter, title within woodcut architectural border, woodcut initials, some ink annotations and doodling to title and verso, some light water-staining, ink stain to verso of sig. I8, 17th century calf, head of spine chipped, [STC 10999], 8vo, Imprynted at London in fletestrete in the house of Thomas Berthelet, nere to the condite at the sygne of Lucrece. Cum privilegio, 1548.⁂ Rare early edition, only one auction record in the last 40 years, the Macclesfield copy, and that lacking 2 leaves. Provenance: William ?Morrice (ink name on title); John ?Mellor (ink name on title verso).Rothamsted acquisition date 1925.
Scotland.- Observations upon the Cultivation of Flax and Flax-seed in Scotland, 32pp., first edition, Archibald Grant's copy with his ink signature at head of title and his bookplate, title lightly soiled, small stain to final leaf, later morocco-backed marbled boards by Edmond & Spark of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, for C.Elliot, 1781 § [?Grant (Archibald)] A Dissertation on the Chief Obstacles to the Improvement of Land, first edition, title and final leaf soiled, light browning, library cloth, [Fussell I p.35; Kress 5845], Aberdeen, by Francis Douglas [& others], 1760, 8vo (2)⁂ Archibald Grant (1696-1778) was the owner of Monymusk estate in Banffshire. He had a wealth of experience in farming and land reclamation, supported the making of linen and other manufactures, and introduced English agricultural practices such as leaving land fallow and crop rotation. The first is rare: ESTC lists only 3 UK locations including Rothamsted (not in BL) and 3 in America.
Ringsted (Josiah) The Farmer, Comprehending the Several Most Interesting Objects and Beneficial Practices, contemporary calf-backed boards, rebacked, [Fussell pp.99-100], 8vo, J.Dixwell, [?1781].⁂ Rare, not in British Library, only 5 copies listed on ESTC. Includes sections on hops, vines, fruit trees, flower gardens and bees.
Cooke (James) Drill Husbandry Perfected. With other interesting circumstances in agriculture, respecting the most effectual methods of producing the greatest crops of corn, engraved folding frontispiece, verso strengthened and repaired, contemporary boards with paper label to spine, original upper cover bound-in, [Fussell pp.126-7; McDonald p.216], 12mo, Manchester, J Imison, 1784.⁂ Rare, ESTC lists 5 copies only including this one (not in BL). "[A] new drill machine deservedly popular for drilling the cereal grasses, and hoeing between the rows." Provenance: Samuel Hibbert-Ware (1782-1848), geologist and antiquarian (bookplate).
Hedges.- Callender (Robert) A Practical Essay on the Raising and management of the Cratægus Oxyacantha; or, Common White Thorn for Hedges: containing the most rational and speedy methods of planting and rearing what are generally called quicksets, ... Also, of pruning forest-trees, only edition, half-title, title browned, spotting, small damp-stain to half-ttile, later boards, [Henrey 537], Newcastle upon Tyne, L. Dinsdale, 1785.⁂ Rare, only three copies listed on ESTC.
Livestock.- Culley (George) Observations on Live Stock, first edition, half-title, final errata leaf, with 5 later steel-engraved plates depicting 12 different livestock bound in at end, modern cloth, 8vo, Printed for G.G.J. & J. Robinson, 1786.⁂ Rare at auction. Culley was a Northumberland farmer and a breed of cattle was named after him.
Seed drill.- A Plan and Description of a Drill Plough, Which sows all kinds of grain or seeds, and any quantity, at any distance or depth, from three feet to ten inches, upon ridges or flat land; or sows four equal distant rows at one foot, or three at one foot and half, or two rows at ten inches. With some different constructions of drills, half-title, 3 engraved plates (2 folding), some light offsetting, contemporary half calf, a little rubbed, [not in Fussell], 8vo, Printed for T.Hookham, 1786.⁂ Rare, ESTC lists 4 copies including this one (not in BL).
Seed drill.- Horn (John) The Description and Use of the New Invented Patent Universal Sowing Machine, for broad-casting or drilling every king of grain, pulse, and seed, half-title, 2 engraved folding plates, some light spotting, library cloth, [Fussell p.126], 8vo, Canterbury, Printed for the author, and sold by J. Johnson, St. Paul's Church-Yard, London; Simmons and Kirkby, Canterbury; G. Ledger, Dover, 1786.⁂ Rare, only 5 copies on ESTC including this one (not in BL).
Varlo (Charles) The Essence of Agriculture; being, A Regular System of Husbandry . . . suited to the Climate of Ireland . . . With the Author's Twelve Months Tour thro' America: likewise How to raise the valuable Crops: of Tobacco, India-corn and Siberian Barley, first edition, folding table, contemporary speckled calf, faded at spine and head of upper cover, [Fussell p.91; Goldsmiths 13169; Sabin 98632], 8vo, printed for the author, 1786.⁂ Rare at auction, we can trace only 2 copies in the last 50 years. "This book I have not seen. I had a chance to buy it and failed to take it!" - Fussell.
Japan.- Miyazaki (Yasusada) Nogyo-Zensho, 11 vol., second edition, numerous woodblock illustrations, some double-page, original wrappers, stitched as issued, some stitching broken, 8vo, [Kyoto, 1787].⁂ A very good copy of the second edition of the first Japanese publication on agriculture, which originally appeared in 1696. Loosely inserted letter from Professor Tamiguchi of the Kagoshima Imperial College of Agriculture and Forestry addressed to Dr. Russell at Rothamsted and presenting this set following his visit there in 1922. "It was indeed a great pleasure to look round so famous experiment fields and well equiped laboatiry and the library contains many very rare books in your management."
Ireland.- Essays on Agriculture and Planting, founded on Experiments made in Ireland. By a Country Gentleman, first edition, lacking half-title, contemporary ink inscription to title, some light soiling, short tear to foot of E1, contemporary half calf, rubbed, gouge to lower cover, spine a little worn and chipped at foot with splits to joints, 8vo, Dublin, by Gaisberry and Campbell, for William Jones, 1790.⁂ Rare: ESTC lists only 4 UK locations (not including this copy), 4 Irish and 4 American. We have been unable to find any auction record.
![Gardens.- [Girardin (Stanislas, Comte de)] Promenades ou Itinéraire des Jardins de Chantilly, first edition, folding engraved](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/9078e46d-8c04-47c2-d984-26541763bd20/468x382.jpg)
Gardens.- [Girardin (Stanislas, Comte de)] Promenades ou Itinéraire des Jardins de Chantilly, first edition, folding engraved plan, 20 etchings with roulette work by Mérigot, tissue guards, foxing to text but plates clean, pencil inscription "A very rare book F.H. Cripps Day" to front free endpaper and with his bookplate, later half calf, slightly rubbed, [Berlin Kat. 3477; Hunt 718], 8vo, Paris, Desenne, 1791.⁂ Guide to the gardens at Chantilly with fine plates depicting the French picturesque style including pavilions, grottoes and a Chinese kiosk.
Potatoes.- Dundonald (Archibald Chocrane, Earl of) Letters, by the Earl of Dundonald, on Making Bread From Potatoes, to the Inhabitants of Great Britain; and Particularly to the Inhabitants of Ireland, Who have been the first to Cultivate and Bring into General Use, the Invaluable Plant or Root, called the Potatoe, half-title, final 'postscript' f., library cloth, [Cagle 656], 8vo, Edinburgh, for William Creech, 1791.⁂ Rare, we can trace no copies at auction in the last 70 years.
Maize.- Zecchini (P.I.) De Grano Turcico libri tres, first edition, half-title and dedication leaf, title with engraved vignette, 3 engraved plates, errata leaf at end, contemporary half calf, 4to, Bologna, Ex Typographia Laelii a Vulpo, 1791.⁂ Rare work on maize with attractive plates, in fine condition.
Weston (Richard) A New Cheap Manure. A Treatise on Alabaster, or Gypsum, Describing its Powerful Effects as a very cheap manure, for corn and land in general, and particularly for grass lands, proved by a variety of experiments, surface soiling to title and final f., ink ownership inscription to title, library cloth, [Fussell pp.85-89], Sold by W.Richardson, Royal Exchange, 1791; and another, Weston, 8vo (2)⁂ Rare. Not in British Library. ESTC lists only two copies (Senate House and New York Public Library). Weston was Secretary of the Leicester Agricultural Society.
Carriages.- Kenney (Rev. Edward) A Memoir on Wheel Carriages. Presented to the Cork Society, for the encouragement of agriculture, planting, manufactures and other useful arts, only edition, presentation inscription "The Gift of the Author" to endpaper, contemporary speckled calf, upper joint starting, some scuffing, 8vo, Cork, by A.Edwards, 1792.⁂ Rare, one of only 4 copies on ESTC (not in BL).
Water Meadows.- Smith (John) An Essay on the Advantages of Watering Pasture and Meadow Grounds, in the Highlands, 28pp., half-title, later half calf, spine ends chipped, upper cover detached, Edinburgh, William Creech, and James Watson & Co., [?1792] § [Boswell (George)] A Treatise on Watering Meadows..., 4 folding engraved plates, with errata/binder's leaf at end (often missing), interleaved, contemporary calf-backed marbled boards, red roan label, spine chipped at head, for the Author, 1779 § Stephens (George) Essay on the Utility Formation & Management of Irrigated Meadows, 2 folding lithographed plans, contemporary ink and pencil notes to front free endpaper, original stiff wrappers, uncut, spine worn, upper cover detached, Edinburgh, 1826, first editions, rubbed; and 3 others, 8vo (6)⁂ The first is rare: ESTC lists only 4 UK copies (including this one, but no copy in the British Library) plus 2 copies in America.
Dairy.- Stele (James) An Essay on Manufacturing Milk Into Butter and Cheese; And on Calf-Feeding, &C. Intended for the Perusal and Benefit of Farmers, folding table, original boards, rubbed, [Fussell p.12; not in Bitting, Cagle or Simon], 12mo, Glasgow, 1794.⁂ Rare, the last copy to appear at auction was in 1915.
Agricultural societies.- Rules and Orders of the East Devonshire Society, Insituted fo the Encouragement of Agriculture & Industry with a List of its Members, a few autograph additions to the members and benefactors lists, Exeter, by Trewman and Son, [c.1795] bound after Rules, Orders, and Premiums, of the South Devon Division of the Devonshire Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture and Industry: with a List of the Subscribers to the Society, errata slip, Plymouth, by B Haydon, 1792, together 2 works in 1 vol., library cloth § Rules and Conditions of the Manchester Agricultural Society... Together with the Officers for the Present Year, and the Names of the Members, woodcut decoration to title, library cloth, Manchester by George Nicholson, 1796; and 2 others, similar, 8vo (4)⁂ All are rare, the first and last do not appear on ESTC or COPAC.
Vergilius Maro (Publius).- Foresi (Bastiano) Libra chiamato Ambitione, collation: a4 b-l8 m6, 89 leaves (of 90, lacking final blank), text in single column, 24 lines, type 112R, initial spaces with guide-letters, some staining, early 19th century tree sheep, gilt spine in compartments and with red and green leather labels, 8vo (204 x 128mm.), [Florence], [Antonio di Bartolommeo Miscomini], [c.1481-1484 or 1489-1491]. ⁂ Rare first edition of this poem extolling the virtues of Virgilian pastoral philosophy, as found in his Georgica. It takes the form of a dialogue between a narrator and an allegorical figure named Ambitione, who tries to persuade the former to remain in Florence and to join in the political life of the city. The narrator, however, forewarned by Virgil against the schemes of Ambitione, declines and decides to devote himself to agriculture, whose rules he then begins to outline, which leads directly into Foresi's paraphrase of the Georgica. Foresi was a close friend of Marsilio Ficino. Provenance: 'June 1816 D's sale at Evans, £4. 8s', probably R.H. Evans of Pall Mall (ink inscription to head of front free endpaper).Rothamsted acquisition date 1917Literature: ISTC if00243000; HCR 7231; GW 10173; BMC VI 644; IGI 4015; Goff F-243; Copinger Incunabula Virgiliana, 156; Mambelli 951.
Fruit trees.- New Treatise (A) on Tillage Land: with Observations Remarks and Experiments to Disclose & Abolish the Present Prevailing Error in Agriculture: Likewise is Added a Method or New Invention Drawn from Nature to Preserve Orchards and Other Fruit Trees from the Fatal Effects of Blights, 2 parts in 1 vol., engraved titles, light offsetting, otherwise a very good wide-margined copy, handsome contemporary red morocco, gilt, spine faded, [not in Henrey], 8vo, Exeter, by S. Woolmer for the Author, 1796.⁂ Rare, no copies on ESTC and only 2 copies on COPAC (Reading and Southampton).
Shakespeare.- Masuccio Salernitano. Novella di Marioto Senese, 4 leaves, woodcut vignette on recto of first leaf, one decorated initial, upper margin trimmed, some browning and foxing, 19th-century red boards, spine slightly rubbed, title lettered in gilt on front cover, red edges, 8vo (142 x 95mm.), Italy, n.p., n.d.⁂ Exceedingly rare separate edition of the 33rd tale from a masterpiece of Italian popular literature, the Novellino by Masuccio Salernitano (1410-1475), first published in 1476. This undated edition is recorded in only two Italian institutional libraries, the Angelo Mai Library in Bergamo, and the National Library in Florence. The tale narrates in Italian vernacular the unfortunate story of the lovers Mariotto Mignanelli and Ganozza Saraceni from two warring Sienese families. Owing to the basic elements of the plot (the rivalry of the families, the clandestine marriage of the protagonists, the role played by a friar, the apparent death of Ganozza, and a misunderstanding which leads to the tragic death of both lovers) Masuccio's novel is considered one of the sources of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.The text is set in roman type, but curiously the printer used an italic font on the last page.Rothamsted acquisition date not noted.Literature: Sander 4381; J.L. Levenson, "Romeo and Juliet before Shakespeare", Studies in Philology 81 (1984), pp. 325-347; Romeo and Juliet before Shakespeare: Four Early Stories of Star-Crossed Love... Translated, with an introduction and notes, by N. Prunster, Toronto 2000.
Coffee.- Laborie (P.J.) The Coffee Planter of Saint Comingo; with an Appendix, Containing a View of the Constitution, Government, Laws and Sate of that Colony... To which are Added, some Hints on the Present State of the Island, Under the British Government, 22 engraved plates on 21 sheets (18 folding), bookplate, contemporary calf, spine gilt, upper joint cracked but holding firm, [Goldsmiths 17286; Sabin 38430], 8vo, for T.Cadell and W.Davies, 1798.⁂ A rare account of coffee planting and life in 18th century Saint Domingue, which at that point accounted for sixty percent of the world's coffee production. This extensive work was written as a manual for British Coffee planters in the West Indies and includes a description of the 1790s slave revolt. Provenance: John Bolton (bookplate).
The Case of the Farmers; with an Appendix and a Dedication to the Board of Agriculture...by a Hertfordshire Farmer, light foxing, upper hinge weak, 19th century cloth-backed boards, [not in Fussell], by J.D.Denwick, 1801; and 4 others, similar, 8vo (5)⁂ Rare - we can find no copy on COPAC or WorldCat.
![[Bentick (Admiral William)] Farming Extracts, half-title, no title (?as issued), contemporary ink inscription to title, later](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/8b64eda0-50b4-4059-f098-e3f637825618/468x382.jpg)
[Bentick (Admiral William)] Farming Extracts, half-title, no title (?as issued), contemporary ink inscription to title, later boards, [not inf Fussell], Lynn, by Andrew Pigge, 1805.⁂ Rare, no copies listed on COPAC. Includes sections on Roota Baga or Sweedish Turnip, Turnips, Beans, Potatoes ("They form great part of the food of the lower ranks, and consequently deserve every mark of attention") as well as a recipe for soup. Admiral Bentinck (1764-1813) had previously been the Governor of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He had an estate near Cromer and commanded a costal defence force there.
Richardson (William) An Elementary Treatise on the Indigenous Grasses of Ireland, presentation inscription 'Archdeacon Lovel, form his friend the author' to head of title, title slightly browned, library cloth, Dublin, William Porter, 1806; Letter to the Most Noble the Marquis of Hertford, on Fiorin Grass, library cloth, J.Hatchard, 1810; A New Essay on Fiorin Grass, surface soiling to title, original boards, upper cover detached, for J.Harding, 1813 § Observations on the Row Culture, library cloth, Dublin, for the Author, 1814 § Farish (John) Treatise on Fiorin Grass, library cloth, Dumfries, George Johnstone & co., 1810 § Blaikie (Francis) On the Conversion of Arable Land into Pasture, library cloth, Burnham, J.Dawson, 1817; and 16 others, grass, pasture, hops, soil and manure, 8vo (23)⁂ An excellent group of rare works.
Coffee.- Lowndes (John) The Coffee-Planter, or, An Essay on the Cultivation and Manufacturing of that Article of West-India Produce, first edition, folding aquatint frontispiece and 5 folding plates, some very light offsetting, bookplate to pastedown, contemporary tree calf, corners and spine ends a little bumped, [not in Abbey; Kress B.5216; Sabin 42530], 8vo, printed and published by C. Lowndes, 1807.⁂ Rare, the author was a Dominican planter who originally wrote this work as a guide for his estate manager. Provenance: G.R. Porter (bookplate).
![Pamphlets.- [Loudon (John Claudius)] An Immediate and Effectual Mode of Raising the Rental of the Landed Property in England,](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/95c463bf-8582-41f1-88eb-a8f900fdee7b/7f7cb7b5-984c-46d3-eed1-f3103c2f4476/468x382.jpg)
Pamphlets.- [Loudon (John Claudius)] An Immediate and Effectual Mode of Raising the Rental of the Landed Property in England, ink ownership inscription to title, 1808 bound with [Blanch (N.)], "Philanthropos". A New, Easy, and Infallible Method for Improving Estates, A1-5 misbound at end, [Goldsmiths 8036], by M.Cooper, 1744 and Somerville (John, Lord) Facts and Observations Relative to Sheep, Wool, Ploughs, and Oxen, 2 engraved folding plates, folding table, 1f. advertisements, 1803 and Mathews (James) Remarks on the Cause and Progress of the Scarcity and Dearness of Cattle, Swine, Cheese, & c. & c. and of the Articles Tallow Candles and Soap, for the author by M.Ritchie, 1797 and Renton (George) The Grazier's Ready Reckoner, woodcut frontispiece, for H.D.Symonds, [1804] and Sebright (Sir John Saunders)The Art of Improving the Breeds of Domestic Animals, for John Harding, 1809 and An Account of Mr Thomas Johnston's Improvement of the Live Stock of the Kingdom of Ireland, Dublin, by M. Mills, 1777, together 7 works in one vol., ink inscription to pastedown, contemporary calf, rebacked preserving original backstrip, corners repaired, 8vo.⁂ The first is a rare work by Loudon; inspired by a trip to Pinner whilst convalescing, he "was impressed by the inferiority of English to Scottish farming. He accordingly persuaded his father to join him in taking a lease of Wood Hall, near Pinner, and published a pamphlet entitled 'An Immediate and Effectual Mode of Raising the Rental of the Landed Property in England' [published in 1808]. In 1809 he rented the large farm of Tew Park, Oxfordshire, where he took pupils in agriculture, and by 1812 he had made a profit of 15,000l. He then threw up his farm, dismissed his pupils, and started on a continental tour." - DNB.Provenance: John Symmons; Job Lousley (ink ownership inscriptions).
St. Helena.- Abstract of the Laws and Ordinances relating to Lands and Tenures; and the Moral and Agricultural Improvement of the Island of St. Helena, From its Establishment in 1673 to 1810. Published by Authority of the Governor and Council, For the Use of the Island, 20th century antique-style calf, 8vo, St. Helena, Printed for S. Solomon by J.Coupland, [1810].⁂ Rare, only 2 copies listed on COPAC (BL and King's College London).
St. Helena.- Papers relating to the Devastation Committed by Goats on the island of St. Helena, St. Helena, occasional light foxing or browning, modern antique-style calf, 8vo, Printed for S. Solomon by J. Coupland, 1810.⁂ Rare, only 3 copies listed on COPAC (BL, National Library of Scotland and Natural History Museum). Goats were first introduced to St. Helena by the Portuguese to provide meat for passing ships. By the nineteenth century however they had wrought considerable ecological damage on the island; following a visit to the island in 1843, Joseph Hooker wrote: "Probably 100 St Helena plants have thus disappeared from the Systema Naturae since the first introduction of goats on the Island".
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