Typescript copy of Nelson's Mexico journal, 1892-1895

Abstract

This typescript copy Nelson's field notes documents his field research and travels in Mexico between 15 January 1892 and 23 February 1895. The notes record Nelson's narrative observations of vegetation, birds, and mammals of the areas he traveled through. Mammal specimen collected are also noted. Elevations of locations and weather conditions are included. Mammals collected included tiger cats, wild hog, deer, bats, voles, and other mammals. Most or all birds listed were not collected, but observed. Notes on animal behaviors and abundance of animals are also included. The following is a list of select locations by page number: pages 1-91, Mazatlán, Manzanillo, Guadalajara; pages 92-185, San Luis Potosi, Mount Orizaba; pages 186-289, Amecameca, Popocatapetl, Iztaccihuatl, Oaxaca. Spanish and Indian names for some animals are included. Nelson also records the dates and times of several earthquakes and aftershocks. Much of Nelsons notes also focus on descriptions of the towns he visited, interactions with locals, local religion, architecture, food, and social customs.

Date Range

1892-1895

Start Date

Jan 15, 1892

End Date

Feb 23, 1895

Access Information

Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu.

Topic

• Animals
• Birds
• Mammalogy
• Plants
• Ornithology
• Botany

Place

• Popocatépetl, Volcán
• Amecameca
• Mazatlán
• Iztaccíhuatl, Volcán
• Manzanillo
• Citlaltépetl, Volcán
• Mexico
• Guadalajara
• San Luis Potosí

Form/Genre

• Fieldbook record
• Field notes
• Diary

Accession #

SIA RU007364

Collection name

Edward William Nelson and Edward Alphonso Goldman Collection, circa 1873-1946 and undated

Physical Description

1 field book

Physical Location

Smithsonian Institution Archives

Sublocation

Box 17 Folder 9-11