Rare Antique Botanical Color Plate Print U. S. Dept. Of Agriculture 1888. Framed What grew in our Country's gardens 100 years ago or more? Period fruit and flower prints provide clues. Collected today primarily for their decorative appeal, many antique botanical illustrations originally served as scholarly documents, supplying naturalists and gardeners with realistic images and detailed information about newly discovered or newly developed plant species. Most antique graphics served as vehicles of communication or education. Large numbers of 15th to 19th century prints were created as scientific illustrations. Hybrids of art and science, botanical prints derived from original illustrations of new and unique plant species. Prints dated 1904-1912 by Wm H Prestele, Fecit Div. of Pomology, U.S. Dept of Agr. A. Horn & Co Lithocaustic, Baltimore. See less Dimensions 12ʺW × 1ʺD × 10ʺH