London, The Linnean Society of London, 1875-1905. Six volumes in six. Large 4to (29.1 x 23.3 cm). Text; numerous plates. Volume I in contemporary polished half calf over marbled boards. Gilt ornamental lines and black morocco label with gilt title on the spine; Volumes II-VI: uniform later (i.e., contemporary with the last volume) blue buckram with gilt title on the spines. Speckled edges.

One of the most important periodicals in the field of botany, with numerous fine monographs, and certainly one of the best-illustrated, too. Before 1875, the Transactions contained both zoological and botanical papers. Therefore, this is the start of the Botanical Series, not a second botanical series. Definitely rare. The first volume with the label, "Presented to the Linnean Society of London by Messrs Taylor and Francis" (i.e., the printers, not the publishers, here). Boards to Volume I rubbed; the other five with a label removed from the spine top, and another one from the front pastedowns, with only a vague "cancelled" stamp remaining in each. Otherwise excellent, clean and unmarked. A very good set. Cat. BM(NH), p. 1151.