4to. 65 photolithograph plates depicting 274 sections, profiles, and vignettes, most folding, by Henry Wood Elliott. (Gutter dampstained throughout, last plate with marginal tape repairs.) Original gilt-lettered green cloth (rebacked in modern green calf, fore-corners touched up, new endpapers).

PRESENTATION COPY FROM HAYDEN WITH HIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOKPLATE: "With the compliments of F.V. Hayden, U.S. Geologist."

FIRST EDITION, ADVANCE ISSUE, one of 100 copies of "A small edition of one hundred copies of the Profiles and Sections are issued in advance of the text, for the purpose of placing them in the hands of the principal geologists in this country and in Europe. The first issue of two thousand copies, in colors, will be published with descriptions in about one year" (prefatory note).

In 1868, Henry Wood Elliott was appointed to assist the Hayden Expedition to document the landscape and wildlife. His detailed sketches and paintings provided valuable visual and accurate records of the area’s geothermal features, rugged terrain, and diverse fauna. His work, along with that of photographer William Henry Jackson and geologist Ferdinand V. Hayden, helped inspire the movement to preserve Yellowstone, ultimately leading to its designation as the first national park in 1872. RARE: According to online records, only 3 copies have appeared at auction, and the work does not appear in the comprehensive Schmeckebier Catalogue of the Hayden surveys.