Cattle-Raising On The Plains Of North America.

BARON WALTER VON RICHTOFEN

Publication: D Appleton and Company, 1885, New York

First edition. 12mo. Cloth. [1]-102 pp., [1-6, advertisements]. 18.1 x 12.3 cm. A practical guide to ranching and a promotional work aimed at encouraging investment in the cattle industry of the American Great Plains during the 1880s. Written at the height of the open-range cattle boom, the book argues that cattle ranching is one of the safest and most profitable businesses available in the American West, describing the climate, vegetation, and natural grasslands of the Great Plains and examining the economics of cattle ranching where he explains the costs of acquiring land and breeding stock, the organization of ranches, the role of cowboys and herders, and methods of breeding, branding, and marketing cattle. Also discussed is the importance of railroads in connecting western ranches to eastern markets. "German-born Von Richthofen's work is of value for its descriptions of the Great Plains area, lists of the leading cattle companies of the early 1880's and tables showing the expected increase from herds of breeding animals. This book was one of several which helped create the cattle boom of the 1880's."--Jeff Dykes. "The Baron was a leading cattleman of Colorado and father of Germany's famous flyer."--Wright Howes. Name stamp and date on front endpaper, light wear to the spine ends, a few tiny light rub spots to front and rear covers, else a very good, tight copy. Housed in a cloth slipcase with titles stamped in gilt on a leather spine label. Very Scarce.