Item #51189 Account of East-Florida, with A Journal Kept by John Bartram of. William STORK, John and BARTRAM.

Account of East-Florida, with A Journal Kept by John Bartram of

Item #51189

[STORK, William] and BARTRAM, John. Account of East-Florida, with A Journal Kept by John Bartram of Philadelphia, Botanist to His Majesty for the Floridas; upon A Journey from St. Augustine up the River St. John's. London: W. Nicoll and G. Woodfall, [1766]. [6],xxii,23-90;viii,70pp. Antique-style gilt-ruled full calf, giltruled raised spine bands, red and black morocco spine labels. A fine copy. Howes S-1042, "b." Streeter Sale 1183. Reese, The Struggle for North America 78 (ref.). This is a re-issue of the first edition sheets of Stork, with a new title page and with Bartram's account printed for the first time. William Stork, a member of the Royal Society and a German botanist, wrote his account as an early promotion of Florida real estate describing its attractions for settlers in its climate, flora and fauna, and rich soil. He emphasized the potential for growing rice, sugar, cotton and other cash crops. This edition is noteworthy for the addition of John Bartram's botanical account. Though Bartram (1699-1777) had little formal education, Linnaeus called him "the greatest natural botanist in the world." His botanical gardens, where he cultivated seeds from all over the world, still stand in Philadelphia. When, late in life, he was appointed the Botanist Royal for North America by King George III, the 50 pounds annual stipend allowed him to make expeditions like this one to Florida, which he made accompanied by his son, William. They traveled from St. Augustine to Picolate on the St. John's, noting the climate, soil, trees such as the royal palm, locations for possible fortifications, animals, etc. The Streeter catalogue says of this volume "both are among the most important sources for the history of East Florida."

Price: $10,000.00

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