Het Belgische kruidboek, of de Gentsche hovenier.Gent, H. Hoste; L. Hebbelynck, 1848-1849. 4 volumes. 8vo. With a double-page lithographed plate. Modern half calf, gold-tooled spine.

[6], 435, [1 blank] pp.Rare first edition of an extensive herbal compiled by the Belgian landowner Lievin-Amand Delathauwer. As he states in the preface, Delathauwer wished to create a herbal in the Dutch language, as an addition to the many French works. It opens with a preface and introduction, followed by a general chapter covering all the different components of a plant. Next is a section on gardening and classification of plants and herbs. The majority of the work consists of descriptions of herbs, arranged alphabetically, mentioning the plant's habitat, characteristics and special properties if there are any. Each volume closes with an index for that volume. The fourth volume also contains a chapter on plant cultivation, plant diseases and pesticides. With a collector's label on title-page. Only very slightly browned with a few minor spots, overall in very good condition.l Anet (3 copies); BMC NH, p. 437.