Arms of Galard de Béarn-Brassac - Lot 316

Arms of Galard de Béarn-Brassac DRALET (Étienne François) Description des Pyrénées, considérées principalement sous le rapport de la Géologie, de l'Économie Politique, Rurale et Forestière de l'Industrie et du Commerce... avec Cartes et Tableaux. Paris, Arthus Bertrand, 1813. 2 volumes in-8: XXVI, 262pp. 1f. (errata) / 2f. 292pp. 2f. (table, errata); XI pages of folding tables, 2 folding maps by RAMOND engraved by TARDIEU and 2 folding tables (table of summit heights and table of mineral waters) in fine. Later blond morocco, ornate ribbed spine, quadruple gilt fillet framing the boards, central gilt coat of arms, filleted edges, wide inner lace, gilt edges. In protective slipcases. An excellent work, complete with RAMOND's 2 maps, which are often missing. In addition to this important "Description des Pyrénées" and his "Topographie du Département du Gers", this Conservateur des Eaux et Forêts composed numerous treatises in his field: statistical and legislative texts, as well as a "Traité du Hêtre", a "Histoire naturelle des Poissons" and an "Art du Taupier". In 1784, he discovered the Pyrenees via the Basque country, wishing to establish a parallel with the Vosges where he was born. In 1787, he continued his observations in the Bigorre mountains. He returned several times and met RAMOND "who was preparing to climb Mont Perdu" (Barbe 271)(Labarère 492). Provenance: Coat of arms of Laure-Henri-Gaston de Galard de Béarn-Brassac, Prince of Béarn and Viana. He was created Prince of Béarn and Viana by autograph letters from the Queen of Spain dated July 9, 1868. He died on June 25, 1893. He had married Cécile-Charlotte-Marie de Talleyrand-Périgord, Princess of Chalais (OHR 2434).