This lot comprises six very scarce booklets on the plant collections in the Natal Botanic Gardens and Colonial Herbarium at the turn of the previous century.
The author, John Medley Wood (1827-1915), was a botanist and director of the Natal Botanic Gardens. He made enormous contributions to the knowledge of local plant species, especially Natal ferns, but is today perhaps more known for being the man who, while exploring deep within the Ngoye forest in 1895, stumbled upon the enigmatic and last surviving specimen of the cycad which today bears his name (see #6 in the list below)
#1.) Guide to the Trees and Shrubs in the Natal Botanic Gardens, Durban.
First edition published in Durban by Bennett & Davis, 1897.
70pp. Softcover. Lacks the rear wrap.
Only 4 copies listed in SABIB (Vol.III, page 455)
#2.) Same as #1 above but contains an additional errata page.
#3.) Report on the Natal Botanic Gardens and Colonial Herbarium, for the year 1899, by J. Medley Wood.
First edition published in Durban by Bennett & Davis, 1900.
28pp + 14pp. Stapled wraps.
No copies listed in SABIB.
#4.) Report on the Natal Botanic Gardens and Colonial Herbarium, for the year 1903-1904, by J. Medley Wood.
First edition published in Durban by Bennett & Davis, 1904.
43pp + 10pp. Stapled wraps.
No copies listed in SABIB.
#5.) Report on the Natal Botanic Gardens and Colonial Herbarium, for the year 1904-1905, by J. Medley Wood.
First edition published in Durban by Bennett & Davis, 1905.
29pp + 13pp. Stapled wraps.
No copies listed in SABIB.
#6.) 'List of Trees, Shrubs, and a Selection of Herbaceous Plants, growing in the Durban Municipal Botanic Gardens, with a few remarks on each'
First edition published in Durban by Bennett & Davis, 1915.
111pp. Softcover.
Compiled by J. Medley Wood, Director of Natal Herbarium
Only 2 copies listed in SABIB (vol.II, page 127)
Wood's cycad is listed on page 81 in what is presumably its earliest record in print. The entry reads as follows: 'Encephalartos Woodii, A native to Zululand near 'Ngoya, where there are a few large stems of which this plant is an offset, the main stems being fully 18 feet high. Whether this plant is really an undescribed species or not is as yet uncertain, the only difference being that the leaves are more deeply cut than is usual and its more drooping habit. They were brought from Zululand, were at once planted and remained in the ground for about two years without putting out any leaves. The specific name was given in Europe.'
- Binding Condition: Fair to Good
