This is the more unusual large variant of Colton's infographic map showing the tallest mountains and the longest rivers in the world as believed in the mid 19th century.

This map is often in less than ideal condition as it is at the beginning of the atlas and suffers more handling than other maps. It is based on earlier French models which juxtaposed the longest river on the upper left corner, sequenced from left to right in order of length. The mountains show the tallest in the upper right corner sequenced through lesser heights from right to left. The peaks are divided by continents which are labelled on the lower margin. 

During this period, Colton identifies the Mississippi-Missouri as the longest river in the world while the tallest mountain is correctly shown as what is now Mount Everest but was then known as Mount Deodhunga. 

An arresting image. Original colour. [WLD4948]