Descrizione

Quito, Typis Universitatis 1893. 8vo (23.4 x 15.2 cm). iv, 656, [xi] pp.; seven lithographed plates with explanatory text leaves. Contemporary half morocco over marbled boards. Spine four raised, gilt-stippeled bands; compartments with gilt floral vignettes and gilt title. Marbled endpapers. Speckled edges. = A nicely bound copy of an important and rare flora - chiefly of ferns - of Ecuador, useful for adjacent regions, including coastal areas the Andes mountains. With extensive descriptions, good illustrations of taxonomically important parts, and keys to the species. Compiled and written by the Jesuit priest and botanist Aloisio "Luis" Sodiro (1836-1909). He "described a large number of species from the area around Quito, Ecuador in the early 20th century. He was perhaps the first person who collected in this region and he described at least 38 species from Esmeraldas, a region in Ecuador" (Wikipedia). Inscribed by the author on title page, to "Señor Doctor D. Manuel M. Polit", the Ecuadorian university professor of French language and literature, historian, politician Manuel Mari´a Po´lit Laso (1862-1932), who in 1918 became archbishop of Quito. Some weak foxing; the plate rather mildly toned. Otherwise a very good copy. Stafleu and Cowan, 12.333.