4 volumes, 4to (203 x 159 mm). Engraved portrait, numerous hand-colored illustrations (offsetting throughout, plates gnawed throughout, some plates detached but present in Vol. II, some tearing at gutter margins throughout Vol. IV.) Vols. I-III early 20th century cloth; Vol. IV contemporary full calf (covers detached, spine ends rubbed and chipped, rubbing). Provenance: William Beebe (1877-1962), American naturalist and entomologist, regarded as one of the founders of modern ecology (bookplates, Vols. I-III).

FIRST EDITION. THE WILLIAM BEEBE COPY with his bookplate. Naturalist William Beebe conducted numerous expeditions on behalf of the New York Zoological Society.  He wrote numerous scientific papers in the field of entomology in the 1950s, and later in his career, corresponded with other entomologists, including Lincoln Brower, about their studies. He is regarded as one of the founders of the field of ecology, and was an early major advocate for conservation in the first half of the 20th century. Nissen, ZBI 3466.