Niagara Falls New York State 1880 James Gardner 9 Barker heliotypes Olmstead

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Special Report of New York State Survey on the Preservation of the Scenery of Niagara Falls, and Fourth Annual Report on the Triangulation of the State for the Year 1879, by Director James T. Gardner.
1880, Albany, Charles van Benthuysen & Sons.
pp.96. Complete as issued with nine (9) mounted heliotype view plates by well-known Niagara Falls photographer George Barker and four large folding maps. 

Author's presentation gift example, with Gardner's supplemental presentation slip tipped in across title page.

Beveled cloth, cover and spine gilt lettered. Pocket at rear contains supplemental large folding map, three within text. Spine uniformly light age faded in color (sunned), rear hinge cracked, binding sound, tight, clean and very well preserved.

Rare volume devoted to evaluating the interaction between public and private property as it relates to preserving the natural beauty of the area. Well illustrated with a variety of views (including an "ideal" natural beauty view of Niagara Falls"), drawings and large detailed folding maps. Discussions included destroying private houses, re-introducing native trees and bringing local rocks in.

The result of this lengthy state study was the 1885 creation of the Niagara Reservation. Includes the notes of Frederick Law Olmstead, designed of Central park in NYC.

Book measures: 9 3/4" H X 6 1/8" W.

Large folding triangulation map of the area discussed within back cover pocket.
Sheet measures c. 37 7/8" H x 28" W.
Printed area measures c. 34 1/2" H x 26" W.

[V1462].