

LETTER OFTRANSMirrAL 



U. S. Department of Ageictjltuee, 



Bureau of Biological Survey, 

 Washington, D. C, November 1, 1907. 

 Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for publication as 

 Bulletin No. 32 of the Biological Survey a report on the food habits 

 of the grosbeaks, by W. L. McAtee. The grosbeaks are a small group 

 of finches, hitherto more widely appreciated for their bright plum- 

 age, sweet song, and attractiveness as cage birds than for their serv- 

 ices to agriculture. T]hese are here shown to be of such character 

 as to entitle the several members of the group to every consideration 

 at the hands of the farmer. 



The illustrations which accompany this paper are considered essen- 

 tial to a proper understanding of the text. 



EespectfuUy, H. W. Henshaw, 



Acting Chief Biolo,gical Survey. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agnculture. 



