This classic work documents the journeys of Hayden's field parties through parts of Colorado and New Mexico in 1876. It was the most richly illustrated annual report issued to date including, for the first time, tinted lithographs and true chromolithographic maps. The three large, color folding maps (35x25") found at the end of the volume include:

General Geological Map of Colorado
Economic Map of Colorado
Drainage Map of Colorado
The General Geological Map of Colorado was the first published geological map of Colorado. Each of these maps also correspond to sheets included in Hayden's famous Geological and Geographical Atlas of Colorado published in 1877 and 1881. These maps are considered the best mapping of the period and laid the foundation for the mapping of Colorado.

In addition to Hayden's report on field activities, the volume contains the geological reports of C. A. White, F. M. Endlich, A. C. Peale, and W. H. Holmes; the topographic reports of A. D. Wilson, Henry Gannett, George Chittenden, and Gustavus Bechler; archeological and ethnologic reports of W. H. Jackson and W. J. Hoffman; and paleontological and zoological reports by Leo Lesquereux and A. S. Packard. Many illustrations of scenery, artifacts, ruins, etc. drawn and signed in print by Holmes and Jackson.

The geological reports focus on northwestern and southwestern Colorado (Yampa and White River areas), the Grand River area (upper Colorado River), the Dolores and San Miguel River areas, Paradox Valley, and parts of southeastern Utah. Some sections contain large folded maps that furnish the first detailed geological mapping of these areas. The report also gives a catalogue of over 230 Colorado minerals with notations of localities and mines found, some with chemical analyses.

The archeological section provides much detailed information and illustrations on ruins and pueblos in southwestern Colorado, northwestern NM, and northeastern Arizona, including such well known sites as Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly. The papers are accompanied by the large folding "Map of the Region Occupied by the Ancient Ruins in Southern Colorado, Utah & Northern New Mexico and Arizona, also Showing the Location of Most of the Modern Pueblos".

First edition. Octavo, 546 pages, including 9 black & white text illustrations, 75 (of 76) b&w and sepia tinted plates, and the three large folding maps. Lacking only plate LXXVIII, which does not appear to have been issued in this example. Hardbound in original brown cloth with gilt title on spine.

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Condition: B+

The colorful maps have light toning, a number of short splits at fold intersections, and a few short binding tears confined to the blank margins. Text is very good also with pleasant light toning. Both hinges are starting, the spine is chipped at top, and the covers have light wear with bumped edges.