Farm Insects: Being the Natural History and Economy of the Insects Injurious to the Field Crops of Great Britain and Ireland, and also those which Infest Barns and Granaries. With Suggestions for their Destruction

London: Van Voorst, 1883. xiv, 15-528, 16 fine hand-col engraved plates, 69 wood engravings in text. . HB. Roy. 8vo, maroon, pebbled cloth, gilt rule to head and foot of spine, publisher's name to foot. This doesn't appear to be the standard publisher's binding, but possibly a later, plainer variant. Small mark to rear board; some spotting to fore edge; some light scattered foxing; endpapers browned, however generally a very well preserved and presentable copy. From the library of K.G.V. Smith (1929-2017) with his name to endpaper.. Later reissue (first published 1860). The fine plates illustrate insect pests and the damage they cause to crops. John Curtis (1791-1862) was a British entomologist, illustrator, engraver and writer. For many years Curtis made a special study of the habits and economy of the various species of insect pests. The results of his investigations were published in the Gardener's Chronicle (1841-55), under the signature ‘Ruricola’, and to the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society (up to 1857). These articles led to the creation of the present book. This book was the first in Britain to deal scientifically with insect pests. Though farmers were well aware that insects caused losses, Curtis was the first author to call attention to their significant economic impact..