Details
MORRIS, Richard (fl. 1820-1830). Flora Conspicua; A Selection of the Most Ornamental Flowering, Hardy, Exotic and Indigenous Trees, Shrubs, and Herbaceous Plants, for Embellishing Flower-Gardens and Pleasure-Grounds. London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, [1825]-1826.
8o (262 x 157 mm). 60 hand-colored engraved plates by William Clark (one double-page) (some occasional marginal spotting, plate 33 detached from textblock). Contemporary boards (rebacked in later cloth, some scuffing).
FIRST EDITION, published in 15 monthly parts, each with 4 plates, from July 1825-September 1826. Morris, a surveyor, landscaper, and planter, describes in this work each plant's history, native origins, growth & propagation information, and medicinal uses. In some entries, Morris includes poetic quotes to liven up his descriptions, as seen in his observations of the amaryllis. He writes that the amaryllis "with others, was introduced last year (1825), by Lord Napier, from Mexico, which country abounds with 'fresh verdure and unnumber'd flowers, The negligence of Nature, wide and wild; Where undisguised by mimic art, she spreads Unbound beauty to the roving eye'" (text accompanying plate 44). Nissen BBI 1414; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 6351a.
8
FIRST EDITION, published in 15 monthly parts, each with 4 plates, from July 1825-September 1826. Morris, a surveyor, landscaper, and planter, describes in this work each plant's history, native origins, growth & propagation information, and medicinal uses. In some entries, Morris includes poetic quotes to liven up his descriptions, as seen in his observations of the amaryllis. He writes that the amaryllis "with others, was introduced last year (1825), by Lord Napier, from Mexico, which country abounds with 'fresh verdure and unnumber'd flowers, The negligence of Nature, wide and wild; Where undisguised by mimic art, she spreads Unbound beauty to the roving eye'" (text accompanying plate 44). Nissen BBI 1414; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 6351a.