RICHARDSON, John (1787-1865). Arctic Searching Expedition: A Journal of a Boat-Voyage through Rupert's Land and the Arctic Sea, in Search of the Discovery Ships under the Command of Sir John Franklin. London: Longman, Green, Brown, 1851. 2 volumes, 8vo (220 x 140 mm). Color lithographed frontispieces in each volume, partially colored folding map (short tear at gutter), 10 color lithographed plates. (Pale dampstain to margin of frontispiece.) Publisher's gilt-stamped brown cloth (rebacked in morocco to match with red lettering-pieces gilt). FIRST EDITION. After Franklin's disappearance, Richardson, who had accompanied Franklin on two previous expeditions, considered it his duty to search for his friend. He and John Rae accompanied the party down the Mackenzie and along the Arctic coast to the Coppermine River and Fort Confidence. After crossing the Barren Lands to Great Bear Lake, where they wintered, Richardson realized the mission was too taxing; he returned to England and left the younger men to carry on. Richardson also shares observations about the flora and fauna of the region, including an appendix with a detailed listing of Canadian and Arctic plants. Arctic Bibliography 14489; Field 1300; Graff 3493; Sabin 71025; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 9170; Streeter VI:3716; Wagner-Camp 203:1.