A Treatise on the Culture of the Vine,

York: Printed by G. Peacock for the author,, 1790. A popular viticultural treatise, in original boards First edition of this "practical, well-written and beautifully printed manual" (Gabler, citing Edward Hyams), which proved to have long lasting popularity, with two further editions appearing in 1805 and 1821; this copy from the library of William Thomas Salvin, who owned the manor of Burn Hall in Durham from 1806, with his signature to both the half-title and title dated 1798. William Speechly (c.1740-1821) was gardener to the third Duke of Portland at his estate Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire. Encouraged by the Duke he started writing down and publishing his knowledge and experience in gardening, and already in 1776 he had contributed to Alexander Hunter's edition of Evelyn's Silva, which was shortly followed by his own Treatise on the Culture of the Pineapple (1779). In the present work Speechly describes 50 species of grapes, and thoroughly examines hothouse culture, the construction and management of vineyards, pruning, irrigation, grafting, insect and blight control. Quarto. Original boards, rebacked to style, white paper title label printed in black to spine, untrimmed edges, partly unopened. Illustrated with 5 numbered engraved plates (3 folding). Minor marking and rubbing to boards, extremities restored, small chip to bottom forecorner of title page, some foxing; a very good copy. Bibliotheca Vinaria, p. 50; Bitting, pp. 444-5; ESTC T147498; Gabler G37890; Henrey 1376; Simon, Bibliotheca Gastronomica, p. 132.