Albany, NY, Charles van Benthuysen, 1854. 8vo (22.2 x 14.2 cm). Title page, 28 pp. (numbered [97]-124); one double-sized, engraved plate. Disbound.

A rare early work on the herpetology, and in particular ophiology, of New York State, written by the American zoologist Spencer Fullerton Baird (1823-1887). Published as an appendix to the Annual Report of the Regents of the University, on the Condition of the State Cabinet of Natural History. A repaginated offprint, which may have been published somewhat later, is rare too. The peculiar numbering ("49½") in Goode's list of Baird's papers is because this work was initially overlooked and then added in an appendix. Stamp of the Elmira College Library in the top margin of one text page, otherwise fine. Adler I, pp. 40-42; Goode, B. G. (1883) The published writings of Spencer Fullerton Baird, 1843-1882, 49½ (p. 229). Although illustrated not in Nissen ZBI.