PREFACE. 



From time to time Mr. D. (i. Fairchild, Agricultural Explorer for 



the Department, has given in letters to the Secretary of Agriculture 



his impressions of matters pertaining - to agriculture as observed by 



him in his travels. Mr. Fairchild's wide experience and his habit of 



observing closely the agricultural conditions of the countries through 



which he passes make his communications of especial interest and 



value. The Secretary of Agriculture directed the publication of these 



letters, and tive of them, written at different times from January o<>, 



189 ( .». to August -J.-1. 1902, together with three other papers, which from 



their nature seem to belong here, are included in this bulletin. Mr. 



Fairchild's letters are arranged chronologically and are published 



practically in full. 



A. J. PlETERS, 



Botanist in I 'harge. 



£>eed and Plant Introduction and Distribution. 



Washington, D. 6'., July 30, 1902. 



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