LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Bureau of Plant Industry, 



Office of the Chief, 

 Washington, D. C, February 26, 1,910. 



Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith and to recommend for 

 publication as Bulletin No. 179 of the series of this Bureau the 

 accompanying manuscript, entitled "The Florida Velvet Bean and 

 Related Plants," prepared by Messrs. C. V. Piper, Agrostologist in 

 Charge, and S. M. Tracy, Special Agent, Forage-Crop Investigations. 



This paper points out an interesting example of the confusion that 

 exists in the botany of the cultivated plants, which has in this par- 

 ticular case brought about the neglect of a number of valuable sorts 

 related to the Florida velvet bean. Two of these species possess 

 decided elements of superiority and will without doubt result in ex- 

 tending far to the northward the culture of this crop, as well as in 

 greatly increasing its importance. This paper discusses nine of the 

 species that have been studied, but is to be considered a preliminary 

 rather than an exhaustive publication. 



The authors desire to acknowledge the helpful suggestions and 

 assistance rendered them by Mr. W. F. Wight, Botanist, of this Bureau. 

 Respectfully, 



G. H. Powell, 



Acting Chief of Bureau. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



179 3 



