Folio (362 x 273 mm). 20 lithographed and engraved plates, many folding (many pages unopened, some very light marginal toning.) Leaves loose in printed wrappers as issued (general wear along edges, minor losses, creases).

FIRST EDITION. In the midst of the Second Franco-Mexican War, Emperor Napoleon III dispatched a scientific expedition to map the land and explore its resources with a particular focus on precious metals. Because California and Nevada had once been a part of Mexico and its geology was considered to be similar, an expedition explored this region of the United States as well. In addition to information on topography numerous details of abandoned towns and mines are included. The maps were primarily the work of Erhard Schieble, a German-French engraver who was considered to be one of the best mapmakers in Europe at the time. The present work ends mid-sentence on p. 216 as issued. Palau 110850; not in Cowan, Graff, or Paher.