Item ID: 6517 St. Foine Improved: a Discourse shewing the Utility and Benefit which England hath and may receive by the Grasse called St. Foine, and answering the Objections urged against it. Being useful for all Ingenious Men. Written by a Person of Honour lately deceased. SAINFOIN.

“A Most Interesting Little Book

St. Foine Improved: a Discourse shewing the Utility and Benefit which England hath and may receive by the Grasse called St. Foine, and answering the Objections urged against it. Being useful for all Ingenious Men. Written by a Person of Honour lately deceased.

Title within ruled border. 1 p.l., 20 pp., one blank leaf. Small 4to, attractive antique calf, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece on spine. London: S. & B. G[riffin] for N. Brooke, 1674.

Second edition. This work has been attributed by many to Sir John Pettus (ca. 1613-85), natural philosopher and politician, but this is probably erroneous. Sainfoin is a highly nutritious plant, which served as an important forage for livestock.

“A most interesting little book…whoever wrote it knew what he was talking about, and had evidently made himself thoroughly acquainted with the peculiarities and value of the plant as a farmer’s crop.”–McDonald, Agricultural Writers…1200-1800, p. 110.

Fine copy.

❧ Henrey, I, pp. 192-93–“An interesting little tract” & no. 336.

Price: $2,500.00

Item ID: 6517

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