10 liETTJflS; OF TRANSMITTAL. 



In tliat^^r^:6f ^Ije^robort^ referring to the sheep industry in the sec- 

 tion west of the'Mississippi &iver will be found much new and extremely 

 interesting matter in regard to the management, the present condition, 

 and the prospects of this branch of the animal industry in that great 

 region. 



The illustrations have been selected with care and with the view of 

 increasing the historical and practical value of the volume. 



Taken as a whole, this report can not fail to be interesting and valu- 

 able to every owner of sheep. It will give a broader view of the indus- 

 try, its magnitude, and the methods which are most likely to bring 

 success in conducting its various branches. 



An effort has been to state simply facts, leaving the reader to draw 

 his own conclusions. Where that principle has been necessarily de- 

 parted from in the report, the expression or opinion does not imply 

 that the Department indorses it, but it is presented as the personal 

 opinion of the writers of the report and must be judged accordingly. 

 Very respectfully, 



D. E. SALMON, 

 Chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry. 



Hon. J. M. BUSK, 



Secretary. 



