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[Americana, Bridge Building, Engineering and, Agriculture] A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE SCHUYLKILL PERMANENT BRIDGE, COMMUNICATED TO THE PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY OF AGRICULTURE, 1806. (with,) MEMOIRS OF THE PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURE. Containing Communications on Various Subjects in Husbandry & Rural Affairs. To Which is Added, A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE SCHUYLKILL PERMANENT BRIDGE. Vol. I. Philadelphia Printed by Jane Aiken 1808

RARE FIRST EDITION, with only a very small number known in institutional collections. Illustrated with a finely engraved plate featuring the architectural plan and elevation of the Schuylkill Bridge, a plate featuring the diagram of a kitchen stove and additional engraved illustrations and tables throughout. 8vo, contemporary half red morocco over marbled boards. The spine with gilt ruled lines forming compartments, two of which are gilt lettered. lxv, 331, 38; 84 [15], errata. A well preserved copy of a very elusive title. The text block has very little of the expected toning or spotting and remains rather fresh and clean, though with some of the typical mellowing down caused by its mineral content, the contemporary binding is tight and the hinges are sound and unbroken, though with wear to the extremeties and some rubbing over time.

RARE. THE IMPORTANT PRESENTATION WORK ON THE FIRST COVERED BRIDGE IN AMERICA.
The 550 foot Schuylkill Bridge was a significant work of engineering skill accomplished in the early years of a new nation. Most notably, it was the first covered bridge in America. With its creation began a love affair between America and its covered bridges that has lasted to this day. Early American farmers, who often had to travel huge distances through undeveloped countryside were served immeasurably by the creation of these sorts of bridges and the inclusion of this, the first, was well noted in this highly important periodical of the time.
The balance of the publication gives a wonderful and intriguing peek into the rural life of the United States during a time when its economy was nearly completely agricultural. Of particular note is a published letter included from Rembrandt Peale. Peale and his father had discovered two large Mastodon skeletons and report on them in this letter. There are also interesting reports on timber and crop rotation. Peale is of course best remembered as being one of the most important early American painters. In addition to creating highly regarded portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon he was also the founder of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
Provenance: With an autograph note in the hand of the famous American author, Eric Sloane.

$US3250

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