THE U.S. NAVAL ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

1855. GILLISS, Lieutenant J.M. THE U.S. NAVAL ASTRONOMICAL EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, During the Years 1849-'50 -'51-'52. Washington, House of Representatives, printed by A.O.P. Nicholson, 1855. Two volumes, quarto. xvi,556pp. +14ff.; xii,300pp. +37ff. Volume I, subtitled "CHILE, Its Geography, Climate, Earthquakes, Government, Social Condition, Mineral and Agricultural Resources, Commerce, &c, &c." contains seven engraved maps (three of them folding) and seven lithographic plates. These include a large folding panorama with touches of hand-coloring, and a fine chromolithograph portrait of an Araucanian chief. This volume is a narrative of the expedition, with first-hand of the topics above, including earthquakes, floods, battles and an execution. Volume II, "THE ANDES AND THE PAMPAS: Minerals; Indian Remains; Mammals; Birds; Reptiles, Fishes and Crustacea; Shells; Dried Plants; Living Plants and Seeds; Fossil Mammals; Fossil Shells," contains contributions by Asa Gray, Thomas Ewbank, A.A. Gould and others. The 37 plates include 14 magnificent chromolithographs of birds, three chromolithographs of Indian artifacts, and numerous lithographs of fossild, reptiles, etc., as well as wood-engravings in the text. Marginal foxing and toning to a few plates in Volume I, otherwise fine internally. Publisher's cloth stamped in gilt and blind show spotting and wear, with the hinges weak and externally cracked.