State of New York Report on the Topographical Survey of the Adirondack Region of New York, for the Year 1873
Albany: State of New York / Weed, Parsons and Company Printers, 1874. Verplanck Colvin. First Edition. Hardcover. Ex libris William and Mary College, with deaccession stamps. 8vo. Pp. 306. Illustrated with 20 survey plates, including nine folded maps. With appendices and index, altitude errata printed on verso of introductory leaf and tipped in opposite relevant maps. Green cloth, titles and decorations stamped in gilt on the spine ("Second Report, 1873-74"), illustration and border blind stamped on the cover. Call number stamped on the spine and bookplate overstamped with "Duplicate Sold." Ffep ink stamped "With Respects of Francis S. Thayer, Auditor, Albany." Spine ends chipped, edges rubbed and corners bumped, cover delamination, closed tears and repairs to several fold-out leaves, mostly color maps, variable age toning and a few wormholes. Fair. Item #6453 Albeit an unsophisticated copy with several condition issues, the maps and engravings are generally in presentable condition for framing. A work of laborious achievement.
Young Verplanck had enthusiastically explored the Adirondack wilderness and in 1869 reported on clear-cutting on Seward Mountain as a threat to water resources. He was appointed Superintendent of the Adirondack Survey in 1872, leading a crew of 100. His work led to the establishment of the Adirondack Forest Preserve in 1885.
Price: $300.00