"[Lot of 2] Particularitez Curieuses de l'Ile de St. Christophle et de la Province de Bemarin dan les Antilles [and] Description des Plantes Arbres, Animaux & Poissons des Iles Antilles", Chatelain, Henry Abraham

1) Particularitez Curieuses de l'Ile de St. Christophle et de la Province de Bemarin dan les Antilles. This sheet presents several views of St. Kitts and the native fauna. The view at upper left shows the Governor-General's palace - complete with elaborate formal French gardens. The view at center shows the natives welcoming the French and preparing a feast. The view at right depicts Melilot, the mythical capital of Apalache. This idealized view was taken from Charles de Rochefort's view first published in his Histoire naturelle et morale des iles Antilles de l'Amerique [1658]. The Apalache were purported to have a utopian kingdom in Georgia and Florida, and to have been the ancestors of the Carib peoples. As Melilot was not found in North America, here it has been transferred to St. Kitts. The views at bottom shows a variety of native fauna.

2) Description des Plantes, Arbres, Animaux & Poissons des Iles Antilles. This very boldly engraved sheet shows the commodities, natives and animals of the Antilles. The papayas, pineapples, peppers, bananas, peanuts and other useful plants are noted, and opossums, crocodiles, and wild boar are described as well. Other views show the houses of the workers and how they make sugar and indigo. Includes a panel of fish showing several sharks, dorado, bonito, and a manatee.

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Condition: B+

Nice crisp impressions with just a few minor spots.