"Centipede with Witch Hazel"

Catesby's great work, The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands was first published in 1731. It was considered to be such an essential reference source that it appeared in three editions. Eighteenth century inventories show that it was owned by European kings and queens, British peers, 6 American colonial governors, and lord proprietors of the American colonies.  The Appendix was first included in the second edition. It was intended to include birds, plants and animals that had been overlooked in the first edition and as a marketing ploy to encourage sales. Literally and figuratively, Catesby introduced many American plants to European soil. He sent back specimens and seeds and the three editions of his work influenced several generations of the cognoscenti. This engraving is from the third edition of the work.

Hand colored etching and engraving.
20 1/2 x 13  inches, sheet.
Excellent condition with accompanying text.