THE EXTERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN BISON, WITH A SKETCH OF ITS DISCOVERY AND LIFE HISTORY. BY WILLIAM T. HORNADAY

Washington: Government Printing Office, 1889., 1889. First edition. First edition. Disbound from the Report of the National Museum, 1887. 367-548pp. with large folding Map Illustrating the Extermination of the American Bison prepared by W. T. Hornaday. 19 plates, without the 2-page folding frontis "Plate 1." Hornaday's classic study of the American bison, it's ultimate extermination, and its profound impact on the history of the American West. Includes information on the life history of the bison to include discovery of the species, characteristics, change of form in captivity, the calf, the yearling, the adult cow and bull, the "Mountain Buffalo," their habits, feeding habits, their value to man, etc. as well as information on its extermination to include causes, methods of slaughter, the "still hunt," the chase on horseback, decoying and driving, the period of systematic slaughter, the railways and their part in the extermination of the buffalo, the destruction of the northern and southern herds, statistics of the slaughter, legislation to prevent useless slaughter, effects of the disappearance of the bison, etc. Near fine, tight copy. Map with tanning to 1 panel along with one 2 1/2" closed tear to edge, repaired with cellophane tape. Very scarce.