L'Horticulteur universel, journal général des jardiniers et amateurs présentant l'analyse raisonnée des travaux horticoles français et étrangers... Paris: H. Cousin, 1839-1845. - 6 volumes in-8, 238 x 152. Green half-chagrin, double gilt fillet, smooth spine decorated with an interlacing of two gilt fillets (period binding). Important and rare edition of this journal "intended to promote and popularize in France the science of horticulture", published "by a meeting of French and foreign botanists and horticulturists" and edited by Charles Lemaire (1801-1871), professor of botany in Ghent. It contains "the History, Description, Reasoned Cultivation and Figure, both of the newest and most interesting ornamental or economic plants, and of the most beautiful fruits [...]; Plans, Sections and Elevations of Greenhouses, Ornamental Constructions and Heating Appliances; Plans of Gardens, Gardening Instruments, Ornamental Objects, etc." (title). The 6 volumes proposed constitute the first series edited by Lemaire. Two volumes (missing here) were published later on the initiative of M. Gérard. The sixth volume is bound at the end with "Bulletin de l'horticulteur universel ou Revue des journaux horticoles français". Paris: Cousin, 1842. In-8, (2 ff.), 112 pp. THE ENSEMBLE IS ILLUSTRRATED WITH 264 COLORED FLOWER PLATES, INCLUDING 25 DOUBLES. A fine copy, in contemporary binding, from the Bourlon de Rouvre library, whose bookplate is pasted on the flyleaf of volume I. Spines faded, various damage to bindings (spines cracked, rubbing). Occasional heavy brown spotting, especially in the sixth volume. Provenance: signature "Robert 1869" on verso of first endpapers. - Bourlon de Rouvre, with armorial bookplate.