Fifth annual report of the United States Geological Survey to the Secretary of the Interior 1883 -- '84 by J. W. Powell, Director. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1885. 28.5 cm, pp. [i-ii] iii [iv] v [vi] vii-xv [xvi] xvii-xxxvi [1-2] 3-469 [470-472: blank], 58 plates (including two folded maps in rear pocket), 143 figures, publisher's black cloth stamped in gold. First edition. Pages 303-55 comprise a monograph, "Existing Glaciers of the United States," by Israel C. Russell. Russell provided detailed descriptions of glaciers in the Sierra Nevada from Mount Conness to Mount Ritter, partly based on his field work in the region in 1883. He noted earlier glacier studies by the California Geological Survey and by John Muir, concluding that the latter was technically correct in describing active glaciers in the region, but Russell considered them to be in "feeble old age." Pages [37]-54 of Russell's Glaciers of North America: A Reading Lesson for Students of Geography and Geology (Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Atlanta, Dallas, Columbus, San Francisco: Ginn and Company, [1897]), comprise "Glaciers of the Sierra Nevada," an account "taken almost entirely" from his 1885 monograph. Currey & Kruska 364. Damp stains at upper left edge of spine panel extending into rear panel, a solid very good copy with tight inner hinges and fine interior. (#179364).
No statement of printing.