INTRODUCTORY LET SBE: 
N.S. SHAter, Director Kentucky Geological Survey: 
Dear Sir: In the following report on the timbers of that 
part of Kentucky lying west of Tennessee river, some dis- 
tinctive features of that district will be noticed. First, that 
the timber changes are due not, as in the parts of Kentucky 
previously studied by me, to geological changes, but mostly 
to topographical changes. Second, that the whole of the Pur- 
chase is comparatively level. Third, that a very small change 
of level usually produces a marked effect upon the timbers, 
and thus prevents the monotony which might be expected. 
Fourth, that no other part of Kentucky offers such facilities 
for studying the ultimate effects upon the timbers of the fires 
by which the woods were regularly burned for a great number 
of years. I have endeavored to make the most of my limited 
opportunity for observation in all these directions. 
I wish to tender my thanks to the people of the Purchase. 
for kindness shown me while I was among them. 
Very respectfully, 
LAFAYETTE yi Dehihire si: 
New York, November, 1877. 
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