The Edge of the Jungle

London: H. F. & G. Witherby, 1922. First edition. Cloth. Very Good. 9" by 6". Various. A first edition copy of 'The Edge of the Jungle', by the notable naturalist, explorer, and author William Beebe. First edition, first impression, with no other impressions stated. Collated, complete with six photographic plates. Includes an advertisement to the rear of the half title for 'Jungle Peace' by the same author. Written recounting his travels and exploration in Kartabo, a village situated on the lower Mazaruni River in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region of Guyana, Beebe conducted and recounted extensive research and analysis of wildlife within this text, demonstrating his remarkable skill as a naturalist, ornithologist and entomologist. Indeed, it is his interest in entomology for which this text is most widely known. Within 'The Edge of the Jungle' Beebe first discovered and recounted the natural phenomenon of the 'ant mill', where army ants who become separated from the rest of the foraging party begin to follow themselves in a circle or loop, until they die of exhaustion. Within the text, Beebe details the 'ant mill' to be 1200ft, or 370m in circumference, with an ant taking two and a half hours to make one loop. In a green cloth binding with gilt decoration to spine. Externally, excellent condition with just minor shelfwear. Slight bumping to the extremities and head and tail of spine. Very faint handling marks to rear board. Internally generally firmly bound. Pages generally bright and clean, with the odd spot to the first and last few pages. Pages slightly age toned to edges. Very Good