After the Treaty of Guadeloupe, Hidalgo (1848), which ended the war with Mexico, it was necessary to establish a boundary acceptable to both Mexico and the United States. The Mexican Boundary Survey was the result and it provided Americans with the first detailed description of their newly acquired territory. The survey added greatly to an understanding of geography, topography, geology, botany and ethnology.

This is Part I, Volume 2 of the House of Representatives edition and is composed of two parts. Part I focuses on botany, written by John Torrey (270 pp. of text and 61 plates). Part II discusses cacti (or cactuses) and is written by George Engelmann (78 pp. of text and 76 plates). This volume provides an incredibly detailed and well illustrated account of plant life along the boundary area. Quarto, hardbound in half calf over marbled boards with gilt title on spine.

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Condition: B

Text pages are generally very good, while most of the plates contain a damp stain that enters the lower third of the image. Covers are worn and chipped.