Image from the gloriously titled Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands: containing the figures of birds, beasts, fishes, serpents, insects, and plants: particulary the forest-trees, shrubs, and other plants, not hitherto described, or very incorrectly figured by authors. Together with their descriptions in English and French. To which are added, observations on the air, soil, and waters: with remarks upon agriculture, grain, pulse, roots, &c., published by the English naturalist Mark Catesby from 1729 to 1747. The books in their various volumes, jam-packed as they were with exquisite illustrations, made up not only the first published account of the flora and fauna of North America, but were also a landmark in 18th-century natural history. (Image source: Smithsonian Libraries via Biodiversity Heritage Library)