[Furber, Robert.

first edition, folio (553 x 380mm.), 12 hand-coloured engraved plates by Henry Fletcher after Pieter Casteels, loose, the 12 calendar plates only, without the title / subscribers leaf, some minor marginal chipping

Cleveland Herbal 367; Dunthorne 117; Henrey 734; Nissen BBI 675; Oak Spring Pomona 37

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

this sumptuously illustrated nurseryman's catalogue boasts depictions of over 400 different species of flowers, grouped according to the month in which they bloom. Each flower is numbered and keyed to a legend at the bottom of the plate so that customers could easily order what they fancied. For the depiction of the flowers, Furber sought the collaboration of Pieter Casteels, an artist from Antwerp who had emigrated to England and who was celebrated for his paintings of birds and flowers. Casteels' paintings were then engraved by Henry Fletcher, an artist well known for his reproductions of famous paintings and portraits.

The present set is unusual in that the backgrounds are coloured in a dark brown shade, setting off the vibrancy of the colourful blooms on display.