Shifting to the Atlantic Ocean Ms. Sloan is offering a copy of what is arguably the most important 19th century voyage: Darwin, [King and Fitzroy's] Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle, between the Years 1826 and 1836, Describing their Examination of the Southern Shores of South America, and the Beagle's Circumnavigation of the Globe. London: Henry Colburn, 1839. 4 vols. This copy is offered with an estimate of $25,000 to $50,000.

In Sale 18 there are items on the American west. Here are some highlights:

ABERT, J. W. Abert's 1848 report on New Mexico, the W. J. Holliday copy signed and annotated by the author, with the 35 plates hand-colored. This report is among the earliest U.S. government publications on New Mexico, with the "first printed map of New Mexico made public by the War Department." Estimate: $25,000 to $50,000.

[MAP]. DAY, Sherman. Manuscript survey map on cartographical cloth of the former Mission San Fernando done in 1869. This is the first modern depiction of the area that became San Fernando and other important areas of modern-day Los Angeles. Estimate: $4,000 to $8,000

[MAP]. WHITE, GALLAHER & WHITE. Mapa de los Estados Unidos de Mejico...Nueva York (1828). Rare Wall map documenting the cartographical sequence resulting in the boundary dispute following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Precursor to the Disturnell Treaty map. Estimate: $7,500 to $15,000

PIKE, Z. M. An Account of Expeditions to the Sources of the Mississippi and through the Western Parts of Louisiana, to the Sources of the Arkansaw.... Philadelphia: C. & A. Conrad, et al., 1810. Incredible copy, in original drab blue boards of the first U.S. government exploration of the Southwest. Estimate: $35,000 to $70,000

[SPANISH TEXAS]. Eighteenth-century manuscript plan of Los Adaes, former capital of Texas, the easternmost establishment in Spanish Texas, established in the eighteenth century to block French encroachment upon Spain's southwestern possessions. Historically important and aesthetically pleasing. Estimate: $6,000 to $12,000

This material will be on display at Bel Age, the Grand Salon Monday and Tuesday [February 13 and 14] and Wednesday until the auction begins.

On Friday the fair opens. There is always speculation whether it is better to arrive early or late. If early one gets to see all that is available. If one arrives late and the crowd has withheld its patronage some dealers will discuss price. I'm of the camp that both arrives early and discusses price. Great material, and there is always some, tends to sell quickly because many of the best minds in the field come to match memory and experience against the material arranged for sale.