MANGLES, James.   THE FLORAL CALENDAR, MONTHLY AND DAILY.   With Miscellaneous Details Relative To Plants And Flowers, Gardens And Greenhouses, Horticulture And Botany, Aviaries, Etc.     &nbspLondon: Printed For Private Distribution,   1839.          First and only edition. This charming little volume offers much detailed information on the use of flowers for decorative effect inside the home as well as providing valuable lists of nurserymen and their specialties. Mangles draws from a variety of contemporary sources in addition to his own practical experience and gives a fascinating insight into the tastes and activities of the wealthy urban gardener of the early Victorian period. Of greatest interest here, however, are the twelve lovely color plates, including several which show the use of potted plants in window and exterior displays. Among the more striking illustrations are a section view of a conservatory showing a porcelain-fronted flower stand, a view of the conservatory from a decorated window, specimens of tiles for the facing of flower boxes, and a suggestion for a morning or breakfast room with an attached conservatory and aviary. The plates are delicately hand-finished with water colors and, in some cases, highlighted in gilt. They are finely executed and serve to illustrate early 19th century decorative art as well as gardening practice. Originally published for private distribution only, and consequently quite scarce. Some copies were also issued with only a few of the color plates.   16mo (15.8 x 9.7 cm); (iv) + xx + 156 pp. with wood-engraved text illustrations + 12 color plates.            Original morocco with gilt title device and floral decorations on front and back cover, recently skillfully rebacked in leather with raised bands; all edges gilt; light to moderate foxing on a few plates; two plates have mild stains in their margins. ***Presentation inscription at top of title page. $1,000.00

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