(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.  

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

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.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

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.