LETTER OF TRANSMITFAL. 



U. S, Department op AraiicuLTURE, 



Division op Forestry, 



Wasliiiifjtov, ]>. ('.., Fcbruaitf I, 18<J2. 



Sir : I biive the honor herewith to submit for publication the first of a series of bulletins which 



are to record the results of an extensive investigation into the nature of our important woods, 



especially their mechanical and technical properties, and the dependence of these upon structure 



and physical condition and upon the conditions under which the wood was grown. 



The present bulletin is entirely preliminary in its nature. Its object is to serve as a basis for 



tlie work whicli is to follow and is partly begun. It discusses the need, object, and scope of the 



investigation, gives references to the work which has preceded the present investigations, and 



explains the methods pursued in these latter, including the forms of record and illustrations of the 



machinery in use. 



Eespectfully, 



B. E. Fernow, 



Chief of Forestry Division. 



Hon. J. M. EusK, 



Secretary. 



m 



