BELT, Thomas. - The naturalist in Nicaragua: a narrative of a residence at the gold mines of Chontales; journeys in the savannahs and forests, with observations on animals and plants in reference to the theory of evolution of living forms.

London, John Murray, 1874. Original pictorial cloth (spine sl. faded). With folding map, 27 wood-engraved plates and illustrations. XXXII,403 pp. First edition. - In 1862 Thomas Belt (1852-1878) sailed for Central America to take charge of the Chontales gold mines in central Nicaragua, arriving at Greytown in the steam-ship Solent. From here he moved south, ascended the San Juan River to the Lago de Nicaragua, then followed the northeastern shore of the lake to Acoyapo and the goldminning village of Santo Domingo, located between the Siquia and Mico rivers. This remained Belt's base of operations for several years, but numerous excursions were made into the surrounding country. In 1872, his final year in the country, he made a long and difficult journey to the north (Howgego IV, p.75). Besides descriptions of nature in the area, the author describes the people, their customs, culture, society, ancient artifacts, etc Charles Darwin wrote on Belt's book "it appears to be the best of all Natural History Journals which have ever been published". - A classic work on the natural history of Nicaragua. Palau 26647; Wood, p. 230.

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