2 volumes, comprising Parts I-II only (of 4), 4to (267 x 203 mm). Half-titles; 77 etched or engraved plates (50 with hand-coloring). (Some spotting, dampstaining, toning.) 19th century half morocco (extremities rubbed, some wear at ends). Provenance: Inner Temple Library (institutional stamps, bookplate, gilt-stamp medallion on covers).

FIRST EDITIONS of the bird section of Richardson and Swainson's natural history of the fur-trading regions. Richardson took part in Sir John Franklin's overland expeditions. "The influence which this work exerted cannot well be overstated... it was the unique source of inspiration of numberless writers upon the same subject, and it continues to be a standard authority" (E. Coues, American Ornithological Biography, p. 50). The two volumes not present here depict the fishes and insects of the region. Arctic Bibliography 14491; Ayer/Zimmer 520; Coues 1:50; Sabin 71026; Streeter Sale 3700; Staton & Tremaine/TPL 1454.