Sinclair, George.

First edition, folio (480 x 297mm.), errata slip, 122 botanical specimens mounted on blank leaves, some with touches of hand-colour, letterpress overslips, 14 leaves containing seed samples, slightly later half calf, [Nissen BBI 1850, citing 122 specimens; Stafleu TL2 12.022, citing 121 or 122], a few seed samples missing as normal

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sinclair became gardener to the 6th Duke of Bedford, a great agrarian reformer, in 1803. "On instructions from the duke, and under the direction of Sir Humphry Davy, Sinclair conducted an extensive series of experiments on the nutritive qualities of various types of animal fodder. The results were published in 1816 in... an expensive folio volume containing dried specimens of the grasses. These were replaced by plates in cheaper editions published in 1825, 1826, and 1829" (ODNB). Copies vary in their make-up depending on what specimens were available.