First edition. The floating dock ‘Bermuda’ was launched in June 1869 from Sheerness, and escorted to Bermuda by HMSs ‘Wildfire’, Buzzard’, ‘Medusa’, and towed by HMS ‘Terrible’. Three of the plates are of the floating dock at sea, the last of ‘The Squadron rounding Catherine’s Point, Bermuda, 29th July, 1869’, and according to the narrative are based on official photographs taken at the time. The largest floating dock in the world, then, it was designed by Campbell, Johnstone & Co., whose representative may have authored this report. It was in service until 1906. Its ruin remains a landmark to this day.

“As this pamphlet is not intended to be a traveller’s guide to the Bermudas, I refrain from entering into any description of the Islands, whose beauties have been already immortalized by no less a celebrity than Tom Moore… I may, however, mention that the group is said to consist of 365 Islands. The scenery is picturesque, but quite in miniature; there is a great deal of wood, of small growth, principally cedar; oleanders, of various hues, grow wild in profusion; and the soil is rich, and capable of producing anything” (pages 82-83).

Rare, no examples at auction in available records.