Gardening, 1739. France. Instruction pour les jardins fruitiers et potagers. Two volumes

Striking antique treatise about gardening, agriculture and fruit trees published in France in 1739. This is a work in two volumes original from the 18th century, in very good condition and containing eleven etchings. The treatise also contains two fold-out pages with beautiful images. The works full title is Instruction pour les jardins fruitiers et potagers. Avec un traité des orangers, Et des Réflexions sur l'Agriculture (Instructions for fruit and vegetable gardens. With an oranges treaty, and Reflections on Agriculture) and was written by Jean De La Quintinye, director of the Kings vegetable and fruit gardens. As stated on the page with the title, this work is a new revised and corrected edition that includes an appendix on flower culture. The first text is headed by a neoclassic-style engraving and a Latin headline referring to the author. Next we find a fold-out plan showing the configuration of the royal gardens with a table of contents below. The following pages contain different chapters, all of them headed by lovely engravings that depict scenes related to the covered topics. As well as the full-page engravings that contain both volumes, there is another fold-out illustration that shows different kinds of roots. The books pages are well preserved with only occasional signs of foxing. As for the binding, it is original from the period and remains in good condition, especially if we take in consideration the works ancient age. The books have brown leather bindings with the spine in a darker brown tone. The spines are divided in sections by raised bands; these sections show a nice decoration of gold-plated vegetal motives. At the top sections we can see the works title (JARDIN FRUITIER) and the volume number. Inside the covers are protected by a fine artisanal blue, yellow and red marbled paper. Because of its validity, interest and good condition, this two-volume work is worthy of become part in the best library of antique books. Measurements: Width: 7.6 in / 19.5 cm. Height: 10 in / 25.5 cm.