[PACIFIC RAILROAD SURVEY] | Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made under the Direction of the Secretary of War, in 1853–4. Washington, D. C.: Beverley Tucker, A.O.P. Nicholson, & Thomas H. Ford, 1855–1860

Property from a Distinguished Private Collection

[PACIFIC RAILROAD SURVEY]

Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to Ascertain the Most Practicable and Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Made under the Direction of the Secretary of War, in 1853–4. Washington, D. C.: Beverley Tucker, A.O.P. Nicholson, & Thomas H. Ford, 1855–1860

12 volumes in 13, 4to (11 1/2 x 8 3/4 in.; 290 x 223 mm, with some slight variation). More than 600 plates and maps (mostly lithographs, some tinted or handcolored; many of the maps folding), numerous engraved text illustrations; various foxing and browning (some vols. very clean, others severely affected), a number of the maps with fold separations and tears. Modern brown cloth, gilt-lettered and blind-stamped in imitation of the publisher's binding.  

A mixed set of Senate and House issues of this "monumental collection of scientific information, geographical, zoological, botanical, geological, of the still mysterious American West" (Wagner-Camp). In addition to their topographical and geological significance, the Pacific Railroad Surveys also include vital early reports on the natural history of the western United States. Volume IX contains reports by the ornithologists Baird, Cassin and Lawrence which are "the most important work on North American birds up to its date since Audubon and Wilson" (Ayer). The three volumes on zoology include 28 handcolored plates of birds and many uncolored plates of quadrupeds, reptiles, and fish. Volumes V–VII relate to Williamson and Abbot's report of the exploration in California, with lithographed views, including an early view of Los Angeles. Volume XI includes numerous topographical maps. The final volume with additional zoological reports includes numerous lithographed plates, the 9 of birds being handcolored. 

REFERENCE:

Ayer/Zimmer 646; McGill/Wood 607; Wagner-Camp-Becker 261–266