INTRODUCTORY LETTER. 
New York, September 17, 1877. 
Professor N. S. Suater, Director Kentucky Geological Survey: 
I submit herewith a report upon the timbers of the Trade- 
water River Region of Northwestern Kentucky. Owing to 
the favorable situation of this region, to its geological charac- 
ter and the minute but important changes in its surface soils 
and to the drain which has been made upon its timbers within 
the last few years, which is liable to increase rather than 
diminish in the future, I know of no part of Kentucky that 
furnishes a more interesting or important field for the study of 
some of the problems connected with the growth, decay, and 
succession of timbers. Such of these problems as my limited 
time and opportunity would permit me to consider, I have 
briefly discussed in the following pages. 
I wish to acknowledge my indebtedness, and that of the 
Survey, to the Elizabethtown and Paducah Railroad for facil- 
ities of travel afforded, as well as to the many private indi- 
viduals who, by their kindness, have helped to forward my 
labors. 
Very respectfully yours, 
EAP AVETTES hi DePRIinSk. 
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