Convolute containing the rare second editions of two botanical books, one on tulips and the other on hyacinths, written by the French priest and botanist Jean Paul Rome dArdène (1689-1769), famous for his studies of flowers, which demonstrate his "vast erudition" as well as providing practical advice. His work "is therefore full of information" addressed "not only to florists and gardeners, but to scientists, flower lovers and cultivated persons generally" and "infused with the authors profound love for his subject" (Oak Spring Flora). The same printer-publisher published the first editions in 1760 and 1759 respectively.
Ad 1: Traité des tulipes is an extensive work exclusively devoted to tulips, discussing their origin, name, different varieties, cultivation and beauty in 12 chapters. It ends with two folding plates illustrating tulips with an explanation for each plate.
Ad 2: Traité sur la connoissance et la culture des jacintes similarly discusses .different aspects of the hyacinth, once again in twelve chapters. It covers etymology, the right conditions for cultivation and common diseases that affect hyacinths. Like the tulips, it ends with two folding plates, illustrating hyacinths, with an explanation for each plate. It was translated into Italian in 1763. Both first editions are very rare: WorldCat records two copies of each, but also only three and four copies of the present second editions of 1765.
With a small crease in the first folding engraved plate of Traité des tulipes and a small tear in one text leaf, but overall in very good condition. Ad 1: Hunt 587; Oak Spring flora 76 note (p. 294); WorldCat (3 copies); cf. Cat. Lindley libr., p. 10 (1760 ed.). Ad 2: Oak Spring flora 76 note (p. 294); WorldCat (4 copies); cf. Cat. Lindley libr., p. 10 (1759 ed.); Hunt 526 note (1759 ed.); neither in: BMC (NH); Nissen, BBI; Bradley.