The advantages and method of watering meadows by art. The second edition, with two descriptive plates; and with occasional extracts and remarks upon Wimpey, Forbes, Boswell, and other writers on this subject
Cirencester: printed by S. Rudder; and sold by Scatcherd and Whitaker, Ave-Mary-Lane, London, 1790. Wrappers. Second Edition of this treatise on controlled irrigation, during which water is diverted from springs and streams along series of channels onto pasture lands, usually in early spring. Crown 8vo (202 x 134mm): 48pp, with two folding engraved plates. Stitched as issued in contemporary slate-blue upper wrapper (lower wrapper supplied in matching paper), titled in manuscript. A superb, large, uncut copy, securely bound and clean throughout (verso of final leaf lightly soiled), with strong impressions of the plates. Fussell, p.122. Perkins Library 199. Goldsmiths 13814. Fine. Item #BB2447
According to Fussell, the making and managing of water meadows was common practice for at least two centuries in parts of Wiltshire, Berkshire, Gloucester, and Dorset before George Boswell published A Treatise in Watering Meadows in 1779. Wright's treatise followed ten years later, with this second edition appearing in 1790. Wright, curate of South Cerney, Gloucestershire, was inspired to publish by a small mistake regarding water meadows he had seen in the Monthly Review. He wrote a letter to the editor, which later expanded into this treatise. He describes the most efficacious methods of creating water meadows and provides a calendar setting out times of year during which watering is best practiced. Following his advice, he concludes, will result in early pasturage and higher yields of hay. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).
Price: $514.00