LETT1^:R of TRANSMriTAL 



U. S. Department of Agricui.ture, 



Biological Survey, 

 Washington, D. C, May 3, 1906. 

 Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for pubHcation as Bul- 

 letin No. 25 of the Biological Survey a report of progress relating to 

 the birds that feed on the boll weevil, by Arthur H. Howell. As a 

 result of work in 1905 our knowledge of the part birds play in the 

 destruction of the pest has been considerably extended, and several 

 additions have been made to the list of species known to prey upon 

 the boll weevil. The protection of these by law" is earnestly recom- 

 mended. 



Respectfully, C. Hart Merriam, 



Chief, Biological Survey. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



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