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  • (Orchid Auction)
    (AUGUST ROLKER, Auctioneer)
    CATALOGUE OF A HIGHLY IMPORTANT SALE OF A GRAND AND CHOICE COLLECTION OF ORCHIDS (cover title).

    (New York). The printed catalogue of an orchid sale to be held on Wednesday, September 11, 1889, at Rolker & Sons sales room by order of Frederick Mau of Weehawken, New Jersey. The sale was comprised of "25 Grand and distinct Varieties of Cattleya Trianae with flower sheaths, C. Trianae Alba, C. Bogotensis Alba, Saccolabium giganteum Album," and much more. There are 326 lots listed, some with a bit of description, such as: CYPRIPEDIUM SEEGERIANUM: "Hybrid between Cypripedium Harrisianum and Cypripedium Spicerianum; only in a few collections can this superb Cypripedium be found..." Nineteenth century orchid auction catalogues are quite uncommon. Stitched pamphlet 22 x14.5 cm.,18 pp.

    Scattered light to moderate foxing to text.

    Book ID: 15880
    View cart More details Price: £250.00
  • (Pressed Flower Album)
    COLO. BEAUTIES (cover title). by (Anonymous)
    (Anonymous)
    COLO. BEAUTIES (cover title).

    (Colorado): n.d. ( ca. 1900 ). A very well preserved souvenir album of collected Colorado wild flowers bound in a hand-painted, ribbon-tied binding. Below each of the twelve preserved specimens the plant’s popular name, botanical name and a reference (Torrey, Gray, etc) are hand-written in pen. We have seen similar, though not identical bindings for botanical collecting in Colorado, suggesting that these (blank) notebooks were available to tourists hiking the fields, meadows, etc. 19.2 x 10.7 cm; 12 leaves of heavy stock with mounted natural specimens and hand-written identifications on rectos only.

    Original hand-painted dark boards with ribbon ties, ties gently frayed, but intact; all edges gauffered and gilt; leaves with specimens fresh and clean, with only the occasional small segment of a specimen lacking.

    Book ID: 16154
    View cart More details Price: £250.00
  • (Roses)
    DICTIONNAIRE HISTORIQUE ET ARTISTIQUE DE LA ROSE. by BELMONT, Abel.
    BELMONT, Abel.
    DICTIONNAIRE HISTORIQUE ET ARTISTIQUE DE LA ROSE. Contenant Un Résumé De L'Histoire De La Rose Chez Tous Les Peuples Anciens Et Modernes; Ses Propriétés, Ses Vertus, Etc.

    Melun: E. Drosne, Imprimeur Breveté, 1896. First book edition (previously published as a series in the JOURNAL DES ROSES from 1893 to 1896). This "dictionary" is more properly described as a compilation of diverse entries relating to the rose's history, traditions, stories and legends, origins, characteristics, ceremonial and decorative uses, etc. It serves as a work of plant lore with far-ranging entries on subjects as diverse as ceramics (including a four page treatment of the use of the rose image in pottery, etc.) sorcery, Napoleon and numerous other historical figures and similar diverse topics. Stock 115. 8vo (22.1 x 14.2 cm); (vi) + 207 + (v) pp.

    Original pink paper wrappers, slight yellowing from age; text largely unopened; minor little tear to lower rear free endpaper, but a fine copy.

    Book ID: 16280
    View cart More details Price: £40.00
  • (Trade Catalogue - Decorative Iron Work)
    VAL D'OSNE, Société Anonyme Des Hauts-Fourneaux & Fonderies du.
    FONTES D'ART ET DE BATIMENT. BRONZES D'ART ET ACIERS MOULÉS.

    Paris, 1903. General illustrated catalogue from the most prominent French decorative iron foundry of the period. Of particular interest for the numerous examples of statuary, fountains, vases and other cast iron garden ornaments and furnishings which are illustrated by over 38 pages. The remainder of the catalogue is devoted to the full range of ornamental ironwork such as grills, columns, finials, staircase railings, moldings, mantels, lamp posts, crosses, religious statuary, etc. etc. Oblong 8vo (15.7 x 24.5 cm); 194 pp. (unnumbered).

    Original paper wraps, soiled, joints weak; text paper somewhat browned, first signature starting a bit.

    Book ID: 15425
    View cart More details Price: £195.00
  • (Lilies and Melons)
    HISTOIRE ET CULTURE DES LYS. by THIERY, M.
    THIERY, M.
    HISTOIRE ET CULTURE DES LYS. Suivie D'Un Précis Sur La Culture Des Melons, Et Sur La Nature Des Sols Ainsie Que Des Engrais Qui Conviennent A Chacun D'Eux, Avec L'Époque Des Semis A Faire Mois Par Mois.

    Paris: Chez M. Thiery, 1855. Thiery was a seedsman and nurseryman with gardens in Auteuil, near Paris. The first 55 pages are devoted to the primary work, an account of the history and culture of 59 varieties of lily. This is followed by a short manual on melon culture, a gardener's calendar, and a few other short essays on unrelated horticultural subjects. 12mo (18.9 x 11.3); 179 pp.

    Original printed paper covers, personal ex-libris stamp at bottom margin of title page, occasional faint foxing; a very good copy.

    Book ID: 15865
    View cart More details Price: £150.00
  • ROUSSEAU, Mme. Louise.
    L'ART DE CULTIVER LES FLEURS ET PLANTES D'APPARTEMENTS. Et De Les Faire Servir A La Décoration De L'Intérieur.

    Paris: Librairie Renouard, n.d. (ca, 1900). A turn-of-the-century manual on floral decoration and floral arrangement for the private home. Various types of flowers and plants suitable to interior decoration and cultivation are discussed, along with appropriate vases, baskets, corsages, bouquets, etc. The decoration of windows and balconies is treated, as is the decoration of the table with seasonal fruits. Additionally, the choice of flowers and plants for different months of the year is noted, along with a choice of flowers to be used decoratively at religious feasts. A list of Parisian flower markets with their locations and days of operation is also included. 8vo (17.2 x 11 cm); 123 + (1) pp. with wood engraved text illustrations.

    Original printed paper covers, soiled, older paper label covered lower spine and interior corners of covers, scattered foxing to text.

    Book ID: 16117
    View cart More details Price: £30.00
  • (Florist's advertisment)
    L'ART DE LA FLEUR NATURELLE. by AUGUSTIN, Artiste-Fleuriste.
    AUGUSTIN, Artiste-Fleuriste.
    L'ART DE LA FLEUR NATURELLE.

    Paris, 1897. This clever and lovely Belle Epoque advertising piece for the florist, Augustin, at 108-110 Boulevard St.-Germain in Paris encloses a small oval mirror for the lady who needs to know at a glance where to order table decorations, garlands and bouquets for balls and "soirees." The piece consists of three decoratively shaped cards with color printed designs and advertising copy, front and back, tied together by a ribbon at the bottom - one fans open the cards to find the mirror at the back surrounded by color printed floral decoration. The front card is graced with a spring/summer colored illustration of a cherub sitting on fruited tree limb: here is advertised the company's greenhouses located at Petit…

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    Paris, 1897. This clever and lovely Belle Epoque advertising piece for the florist, Augustin, at 108-110 Boulevard St.-Germain in Paris encloses a small oval mirror for the lady who needs to know at a glance where to order table decorations, garlands and bouquets for balls and "soirees." The piece consists of three decoratively shaped cards with color printed designs and advertising copy, front and back, tied together by a ribbon at the bottom - one fans open the cards to find the mirror at the back surrounded by color printed floral decoration. The front card is graced with a spring/summer colored illustration of a cherub sitting on fruited tree limb: here is advertised the company's greenhouses located at Petit Chateau de Champignolles, La Varenne. Also advertised are wreaths, both natural and artificial (some executed in pearls, porcelaine or dried flowers), some for the gravesite, available at a dedicated location at 77 Blvd. St.-Germain. The company announces that it maintains a permanent display of bouquets for engagements and weddings. There is also a half year calendar, January through June giving saints names with the dates and a notice of the number of increasing minutes of daylight each month through June. Three decoratively shaped cards (approx. 6 x 9 cm), color printed on recto and verso, with mirror on the last and thickest card; tied with ribbon.

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    Original color printed cards tied with original or contemporary ribbon. Fine.

    Book ID: 16136
    Tags: olympia3
    View cart More details Price: £80.00
  • (Exposition catalogue)
    LA GUIRLANDE DE JULIE Le Monde Des Fleurs/ Tableaux Et Livres Précieux.

    (Nogent-sur- Marne: Maison Nationale Des Artiste), 1967. The catalogue for an exhibition of floral paintings and books inspired by the famous GUIRLANDE DE JULIE whose original was created as a manuscript collection of poems and flower paintings presented in 1641 as a birthday gift to Julie-Lucine d'Angennes de Rambouillet by her fiancé, the marquis de Montausier. This work is often cited as having initiated the genre of the floral gift book and contributed to the later literary fashion for floral symbolism and the development of the language of flowers. The text of the catalogue inclues a biographical essay on both Julie and de Montausier, 28vo (27 x 18.5 cm); 52 pp. including color frontispiece from portrait + 7 color and 2 black and white full page reproductions of paintngs or engravings.

    Original glossy paper wrappers with color garland printed on upper cover.

    Book ID: 15583
    View cart More details Price: £20.00
  • MANUEL FLOREAL DES PLANTES, by BUC'HOZ, P(ierre). J(oseph).
    BUC'HOZ, P(ierre). J(oseph).
    MANUEL FLOREAL DES PLANTES, Ou Traité De Toutes Les Plantes Qui Peuvent Servir D'Ornement Dans Les Jardins, Les Orangeries, Les Serres Chaudes, Et Principalement Dans Les Parterres; Auquel On A Joint, En Forme De Supplément, une Notice Sur Celles Qui Se Cultivent Dans Les Grandes Indes, Pour La Beauté, Tant De Leurs Feuillages, Que De Leurs Fleurs; Une Dissertation Sur Les Plantes Des Environs De Paris, Qui Peuvent Servir Pareillement D'Ornement Dans Les Jardins, Et Une Autre Sur Les Plantes, Arbustes Et Arbrisseaux Propres A Faire Les Haies Et Clôtures Des Jardins Et Autres Enclos Champêtres.

    Paris: Chez L'Auteur, 1800. First edition. Though not highly esteemed as a scientific botanist, Buc'hoz was an energetic naturalist and an indefatigable compiler of botanical fact who stands as one of the most prolific French writers on this subject during his day. The primary objectives in his most important works were comprehensiveness and utility. In the present volume he provides an annotated catalogue of all plants useful in ornamental gardening or for display in orangeries and greenhouses. Over a thousand different varieties are listed, nearly all of which are accompanied by commentary on their special qualities and use in gardens. The work is divided into two main parts: the first is a general listing of both domestic and exotic…

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    Paris: Chez L'Auteur, 1800. First edition. Though not highly esteemed as a scientific botanist, Buc'hoz was an energetic naturalist and an indefatigable compiler of botanical fact who stands as one of the most prolific French writers on this subject during his day. The primary objectives in his most important works were comprehensiveness and utility. In the present volume he provides an annotated catalogue of all plants useful in ornamental gardening or for display in orangeries and greenhouses. Over a thousand different varieties are listed, nearly all of which are accompanied by commentary on their special qualities and use in gardens. The work is divided into two main parts: the first is a general listing of both domestic and exotic plants; the second confines itself to hardy plants native to the region around Paris. A final chapter is devoted specifically to plants useful in the creation of hedges and enclosures. 8vo (19.8 x 12 cm); 16 + 288 pp.

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    Contemporary full mottled sheep, scuffed and worn; lower corner of rear cover heavily worn into pasteboard; some foxing.

    Book ID: 14328
    View cart More details Price: £200.00
  • (Carnations)
    NOUVEAU TRAITÉ DES OEILLETS. by (Anonymous) M., L. C. B.
    (Anonymous) M., L. C. B.
    NOUVEAU TRAITÉ DES OEILLETS. La Façon La Plus Utile & Facile De Les Bien Cultiver, Leurs Noms, Leurs Couleurs, & Leur Beauté. Avec La Liste De Plus Nouveaux.

    Paris: Chez Charles de Sercy, 1689. An early manual on carnations and pinks addressed specifically to the amateur jardinier fleuriste at a period when the carnation was particularly in vogue. The first hundred pages deal with various aspects of cultivation - in pots, in greenhouses, and in the ground - while the remainder is devoted to an extensive listing of varieties. These entries describe each variety carefully and are full of observations on their particular qualities and special requirements, opinions as to their value and beauty, and occasional reference to the novelty or age of a particular variety. This work has been erroneously attributed to Goube, who wrote an eighteenth century work with a similar title. Its true author…

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    Paris: Chez Charles de Sercy, 1689. An early manual on carnations and pinks addressed specifically to the amateur jardinier fleuriste at a period when the carnation was particularly in vogue. The first hundred pages deal with various aspects of cultivation - in pots, in greenhouses, and in the ground - while the remainder is devoted to an extensive listing of varieties. These entries describe each variety carefully and are full of observations on their particular qualities and special requirements, opinions as to their value and beauty, and occasional reference to the novelty or age of a particular variety. This work has been erroneously attributed to Goube, who wrote an eighteenth century work with a similar title. Its true author is unknown. Musset-Pathay 1379. 8vo (15.2 x 9 cm); (iv) + 164 pp.

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    Contemporary vellum, soiled, small portion of one corner rear board worn away.

    Book ID: 15004
    Tags: olympia4
    View cart More details Price: £325.00
  • (Roses)
    OBSERVATIONS SUR LA NOMENCLATURE ET LE CLASSEMENT DES ROSES, by VIBERT, J.-P.
    VIBERT, J.-P.
    OBSERVATIONS SUR LA NOMENCLATURE ET LE CLASSEMENT DES ROSES, Suivies Du Catalogue de Celles Cultivées Par J.-P. Vibert at Saint-Denis...

    Paris: Chez Madame Huzard, 1830. The nurseryman Jean-Pierre Vibert was “le grand rosiériste de la première moitié du XIX siècle... Ces catalogues constituent une source précieuse pour la connaissance des anciennes ‘Roses de France’” (François Joyaux. LA ROSE DE FRANCE, pages 123 and 125). Jean- Pierre Vibert first published his OBSERVATIONS SUR LA NOMENCLATURE ET LE CLASSEMENT DES ROSES, including a catalogue of roses, in 1819. It went into at least eleven editions, but, the catalogue of roses published with it would be altered each year. In this copy roses added in 1830 are included; roses that did not sell well were also removed. The roses are identified by name, inventory number, type, price, color and nuance, and the…

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    Paris: Chez Madame Huzard, 1830. The nurseryman Jean-Pierre Vibert was “le grand rosiériste de la première moitié du XIX siècle... Ces catalogues constituent une source précieuse pour la connaissance des anciennes ‘Roses de France’” (François Joyaux. LA ROSE DE FRANCE, pages 123 and 125). Jean- Pierre Vibert first published his OBSERVATIONS SUR LA NOMENCLATURE ET LE CLASSEMENT DES ROSES, including a catalogue of roses, in 1819. It went into at least eleven editions, but, the catalogue of roses published with it would be altered each year. In this copy roses added in 1830 are included; roses that did not sell well were also removed. The roses are identified by name, inventory number, type, price, color and nuance, and the date of first entrance” into commerce. “le grand rosiériste de la première moitié du XIX siècle” Stock 3059; Werger & Burton 1245. 8vo (19.1 x 14.7 cm); 56 pp.

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    Later binding in marbled paper over boards with gilt lettered red leather title piece on spine, new endpapers; some light browning to title page, a bit throughout text, as well; text impression of verso sometimes shows through on rectos. Well preserved.

    Book ID: 16375
    View cart More details Price: £300.00
  • PRACTICAL CAMELLIA CULTURE: by HALLIDAY, Robert J.
    HALLIDAY, Robert J.
    PRACTICAL CAMELLIA CULTURE: A Treatise On The Propagation And Culture Of The Camellia Japonica.

    Baltimore: (The Author), 1880. First edition of the first book on the camellia written by an American. Halliday was a nurseryman and florist located in Baltimore. He was a dedicated proponent of camellia propagation from cuttings, a practice which at that time was less common than grafting. He gives detailed instructions for all stages of development and includes several instructive text illustrations as well as five color plates. Halliday's advice was particularly directed to commercial growers, with much attention paid to issues such as market prices and the profitablilty of different methods of cultivation. He was also a partisan of the alba plena variety, and offers much of his advice specifically for that plant. 12mo (19.2 x 12 cm); 142 pp. with 43 wood-engraved text illustrations + 5 chromolithographed plates.

    Original cloth with gilt camellia design on upper cover, gilt lettered spine, very slight wear to spine ends, corners gently bumped; original endpapers and publisher's announcement slip for the forthcoming PRACTICAL AZALEA CULTURE tipped in at front endpapers; 2 tissue guards removed; a very good copy.

    Book ID: 15863
    Tags: olympia3
    View cart More details Price: £250.00
  • PRACTICAL HINTS ON THE CULTURE AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF ALPINE OR ROCK PLANTS. by LOTHIAN, James.
    LOTHIAN, James.
    PRACTICAL HINTS ON THE CULTURE AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF ALPINE OR ROCK PLANTS. To Which Is Also Appended A List Of Alpines, Ferns, Marsh, And Aquatic Plants, Etc., Etc.

    Edinburgh: W. H. Lizars, n.d. (ca, 1845). Lothian was gardener to W. A. Campbell of Ormsary. This scarce volume, the first English work devoted wholly to alpine plants, appears to be his only published book. It begins with instructions for the location and construction of rockeries, ponds and bogs and the arrangement of plants in the rockery. A second section gives directions for cultivation and treatment, arranged by season, with separate discussion of "tenderer and rarer" plants, as well as advice on cultivation in Wardian cases. The appendix lists nearly 1000 varieties of recommended plants. The illustrations include two engraved plates showing rockery layouts and four hand-colored plates of plants. The first English work devotd wholly to alpines 12mo…

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    Edinburgh: W. H. Lizars, n.d. (ca, 1845). Lothian was gardener to W. A. Campbell of Ormsary. This scarce volume, the first English work devoted wholly to alpine plants, appears to be his only published book. It begins with instructions for the location and construction of rockeries, ponds and bogs and the arrangement of plants in the rockery. A second section gives directions for cultivation and treatment, arranged by season, with separate discussion of "tenderer and rarer" plants, as well as advice on cultivation in Wardian cases. The appendix lists nearly 1000 varieties of recommended plants. The illustrations include two engraved plates showing rockery layouts and four hand-colored plates of plants. The first English work devotd wholly to alpines 12mo (16 x 10.2 cm); iii-xiv + 17-84 pp. + decorative illustrated title and 6 plates (four colored).

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    Original embossed red cloth with gilt framed gilt title in center of upper cover, spine ends very slightly frayed; original end papers, early bookplate and small penned notation above older bookplate; a very good copy.

    Book ID: 16234
    Tags: olympia3
    View cart More details Price: £180.00
  • (Roses)
    PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FORMATION AND CULTURE OF THE TREE ROSE. by (ANONYMOUS)
    (ANONYMOUS)
    PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FORMATION AND CULTURE OF THE TREE ROSE.

    London: J. Hatchard and Son, 1828. First edition. The unidentified author of this little instruction manual acknowledges his indebtedness to a French pamphlet ( see Stock reference to Tarade, Alfred de, CULTURE DES ROSIERS ECUSSONES SUR EGLANTIERS ). This is a very detailed horticultural instruction manual which, in reprinting its 1830 second edition in 1844, the GARDENER’S CHRONICLE identified as “the best work on the cultivation of the tree rose...” (see Stock 2280 and 2281). d With a signature in pencil, “J.C. Loudon” on front flyleaf. J.C. Loudon’s copy? Stock 2279 12mo (17.5 x 10 cm); xv + (i) + (1)-91 +(3) pp. with 24 text figures, decorative vignette on title page.

    Original two-toned paper over boards, soiled and edgeworn; original printed title label on spine partially preserved; some browning to text (from dampness?) and foxing commencing; boards ever so slightly warped; traces of pencil marks here and there, especially at back. Child's pencil drawing on the blank verso of one leaf.

    Book ID: 16151
    Tags: olympia7
    View cart More details Price: £200.00
  • THE ANNALS OF HORTICULTURE;
    THE ANNALS OF HORTICULTURE; And Yearbook Of Information On Practical Gardening.

    London: Charles Cox, 1848. The third of five annual volumes of this illustrated monthly gardening periodical. The editorship and most of the articles are anonymous, although George Glenny is cited as the author on many of them, including a series of short monographs on individual flowers. The content is focused largely on garden flowers, although this volume also includes a few articles relating to landscape design and garden architecture. There is also an attractive hand-colored floral frontispiece by James Andrews. 8vo (25.7 x 16.5 cm); xvi + 576 pp. with occasional wood-engraved text illustrations + hand-colored lithograph frontispiece.

    Original gilt embossed decorative cloth; spine extremities chipped and worn.

    Book ID: 14756
    View cart More details Price: £130.00
  • THE ANNALS OF HORTICULTURE;
    THE ANNALS OF HORTICULTURE; And Yearbook Of Information On Practical Gardening.

    London: Houlston and Stoneman, 1847. The second of five annual volumes of this illustrated monthly gardening periodical. The editorship and most of the articles are anonymous, although George Glenny is cited as the author of many of them, including a series of short monographs on individual flowers. The content is focused largely on garden flowers, with only an occasional article on fruits or trees. 8vo (25.7 x 16.5 cm); xvi + 576 pp. with occasional wood-engraved text illustrations + hand-colored lithograph frontispiece.

    Original gilt embossed decorative cloth; head and heel of spine lightly worn; color frontispiece and engraved title foxed.

    Book ID: 14755
    View cart More details Price: £130.00
  • PAQUET, Victor.
    TRAITÉ DE LA CULTURE DES PLANTES DE TERRE DE BRUYERE Et Généralement De Tous Les Végétaux De La Nature Des Genres ERICA, EPACRIS, AZALEA, RHODODENDRUM, CAMELLIA, KALMIA, ANDROMEDA, etc.

    Paris: Librairie Horticole de H. Cousin, 1844. First edition. An uncommon handbook on the propagation of heath plants by seed, layering and cutting, for cultivation in temperate climates, in the orangerie and in the open heath. Pacquet, was a gardener, secretary of the Cercle général d'horticulture and editor of the JOURNAL D'HORTICULTURE PRATIQUE. Acknowledging Great Britain as the prolific source for heathers, Paquet proceeds to a descriptive list of over six hundred varieties, followed by chapters on cultivating varieties of azalea and rhododendrum. Chapters on older and newer varieties of camellias follow, with over 125 in a descriptive listing. The text concludes with kalmias and epicris. Erica, Azalea, Rhododendrum, Camellia... 12mo (17.6 x 10.6 cm); xx + 339 + (1) pp. + 4 pp. ads. with a small engraved text illustrations.

    Contemporary quarter art vellum back, marbled paper over boards, art vellum corners, some paper scraped away on lower cover; printed title label on spine, darkened with old ink stains, also on vellum; internally very good.

    Book ID: 16132
    View cart More details Price: £100.00