This is the 524-page first part report (of two) concerning aquatic resources in Porto Rico, published shortly after Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States as result of the Treaty of Paris in 1898 (ending the Spanish-American war). The volume includes a general report by Barton Warren Evermann, and the following reports: "The Fisheries and Fish Trade of Porto Rico" by William Wilcox; "The Fishes of Porto Rico" by Evermann and Millard Marsh; and "The Mollusca of Porto Rico" by William Dall and Charles Simpson. The text is augmented by 49 handsome colored plates of native fish species including Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Grouper, Snapper, and Parrot to name a few. Three large folding maps accompany the fish plates including San Juan Harbor (25.2 x 22.5"), Mayaguez Bay (18 x 11.5"), and a map of entire island entitled Porto Rico (27 x 17"). Of particular interest is the chart of San Juan Harbor which shows the street grid pattern of San Juan, Catano, Isla de Cabras, and the surrounding area. The harbor is filled with depth soundings, shoals, buoys, and two large compasses showing magnetic variation. Originally published by the Coast & Geodetic Survey with additions by the U.S. Fish Commission. Hardbound in brown cloth with gilt title on spine.

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Condition: A

Maps are clean and bright with some extraneous creasing. Text and plates have a hint of pleasant light toning, and one plate (Spanish Mackerel) has a small edge tear at top. Binding is a little shaken and the covers have light wear.