Our Native Ferns (2 vol. set)

Full Title: Our Native Ferns; or a History of the British Species and their Varieties [2 vol. set] Second Hand
Hardcover
Author: Lowe, E. J.
Published by: George Bell & Sons
Language: English

1st & 2nd edition. Book Condition: Very Good-. Dust Jacket: .
Mixed edition set in matching publisher’s green cloth with gilt spine titles and fern design on covers, complete with 79 plates and including at least 4 dried specimens. Vol 1.: 1874 2nd edition, 348pp + 37 plates as called for, all with tissue guards; all crisp, clean and bright. Vol. 2: 1869 1st edition, 492pp + 42 plates as called for, all bar one with tissue guards; crisp, clean and bright except for one (plate XLV) which has slight crumpling to margin and light soiling and a small number (6-8?) of other plates which have light soiling / thumbing. Dried specimens with plate XLIII (Asplenium Adiantum Nigrum), plate XLVIII (Asplenium Ruta-Muraria), plate LXIV (Cystopteris Fragilis) and plate LXXII (Trichomanes Radicans). Bindings have light wear to extremities and some staining / bleaching to the boards, though remaining fairly attractive. One hinge of each volume cracked though bindings remaining firm. Top edges dust dulled. The contents remain crisp, clean and bright, with very little age toning or spotting, just the very occasional light thumb mark. Overall a pretty nice complete set.