77/2149 [Australia]. Collins, D. An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales. Vol.1. London, T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, 1798, 1 vol. (of 2), XX,XXXVIII, (2),617,(3)p., 2 (1x fold.) engr. maps, 18 plates and 4 ills., contemp. gilt speckled calf w. black mor. letterpiece, 4to.

- Vol. 1 only. One plate and opposite textp. mouldy in upper margin; plates and textp. occas. sl. foxed. Frontcover loose(ning).

= A supplementary vol. was published in 1802. The rare first edition, containing some of the earliest views of Sydney and Parramatta. Ferguson 263: "Collins went to Botany Bay with the first fleet as Judge Advocate. He was also secretary to Governor Philip and had unique opportunities of observing the conditions of and transactions in the infant settlement [the colony of New South Wales was proclaimed by Philip in February 1788]. His record is consequently most valuable and trustworthy. The illustrations were engraved from watercolour drawings made by Edward Dayes from sketches made in the colony, apparently by a convict artist, Thomas Watling (...)." The final eight plates are remarkable in showing the initiation rite that young boys had to undergo in order to become men. SEE ILLUSTRATION PLATE LXXIX.