ROCCA (Abbé della). A complete treatise on bees with a new method of governing them, as practised in Syra, an island in the Archipelago. Preceded by a historical and economic description of this island. Paris, Bleuet père, Imprimerie de Monsieur, 1790. 3 volumes in-8, marbled calf, smooth spine decorated, speckled edges (period binding). First edition, illustrated with a folded view of the island of Syra and four fold-out beekeeping plates. "Abbé della Rocca was vicar-general of the island of Syra in the Cyclades. A Levantine born in Constantinople, he studied and practised beekeeping for many years, following the methods of the old Greeks who lived in Syra," writes Gérard Oberlé. The work begins with a description of the islands of the Cyclades archipelago and their history". Some staining in volume III, where pp. v-viii of the table are missing. Casteljau, n°588 - Blackmer, n°1437 - Oberlé, Fastes, n°659. Attached: MOREAU l'aîné. View of the city and port of Syra, isle of the Archipelago, with a representation of some of the help the Syriots gave to the French, dedicated and presented to the king by the Abbé de La Roque [della Rocca], vicar-general of the same city. Beautiful view of the island of Syra engraved on copper by E. de Neully after Moreau l'aîné (42.5 x 32.5 cm at sight), under glass, gilded wooden frame. Descriptive text below the subject by Abbé della Rocca. Small damp stain in the sky.