JF Ptak Science Books
Soil survey maps have long been favorites of mine--not because of the soils part (which is a fascination all on its own) but for the terrific amount of human geography. The maps are usually quite large and cover areas that are quite small (relative to other maps), and the folks who went out to collect the data also helped to collect much of the human-impact stuff as well. Not only are roads and canals located, but so are distant farmhouses and barns. As you can see in the first detail, individual structures are located along the streets in LA central. The maps are really pretty extraordinary.
[Mesmer, Louis. Soil map, California, Los Angeles sheet., Map, 1903]
And a bit lesser detail:
And the full map:
This copy is NOT my copy of the map--at 35"x 30" it is simply too large for me to digitize, and so I've used this copy from the Texas History site to stand in--it is also a fine, full, interactive and very zoomable example, located here: http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth193395/m1/1/zoom/
The map that I am offering for sale is identical to the Texas History map, though my version seems to be a little nicer. I doubt it has ever been used, and the paper reacts to unfolding by wanting to snap back into its folds--it is a lovely, crisp copy.
- "Map shows soil composition, roads, railroads, city and town street layout, structures, and watershed. Includes soil profile and legend. Relief shown by contours and spot heights. Scale [ca. 1:62,500]."--from the Portal to Texas History website (as above)
- Baltimore : A. Hoen & Co. Lith, 1903. 35x30" Fine, crisp condition, with old folds. $300.
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