PRELIMINARY TO THE APPENDIX. 



fTHHE officials of the new States and Territories are con- 

 stantly overwhelmed with letters of inquiry from all parts 

 of our own country and the Canadas, and even from Europe. 

 Some of the writers wish particulars concerning the opportuni- 

 ties that exist for obtaining homes ; others seek information as 

 to the best points for hunting ; while what to bring with them, 

 in the way of household goods, and farming implements, or 

 guns, dogs, etc., is the common question of nearly all. 



While engaged in preparing " Buffalo Land " for the press, 

 I published in a newspaper at Topeka a brief summary of the 

 information then at my command upon the subjects above 

 named. The result was the receipt of a large number of letters, 

 asking for all sorts of details, many of which I found it im- 

 possible to answer through the mail. This fact, added to the 

 requests of various public officers, whom I have the pleasure 

 of counting among my most esteemed personal friends, has in- 

 duced me to attach an appendix to the present volume, con- 

 taining a condensed statement of such matters (not elsewhere 

 described in this work) as will assist parties westward bound, 

 whether emigrants, sportsmen, or tourists. 



(431) 



