LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Biological Survey, 

 Washington, D. C, July 15, 1905. 

 Sir: I have the honor to transmit for publication as Bulletin 24 

 of the Biological Survey a report on the Grouse and Wild Turkeys 

 of the United States, by Sylvester D. Judd. From the earliest set- 

 tlement of the country to the present time these game birds have been 

 of great economic consequence. Their value as food was early rec- 

 ognized, and they played an important role by furnishing the pio- 

 neers with no small part of their fare. When found by the Span- 

 iards domesticated among the Indians of Mexico, the importance 

 of the turkey was at once perceived, and the bird was soon carried 

 all over the world. It is only in comparatively recent times, how- 

 ever, that the economic value of grouse and turkeys as insect de- 

 ■ stroyers has been recognized. The results (^f the present investi- 

 gations should lead to a wider knowledge of the essential part these 

 birds play in checking the increase of noxious weeds and insects and 

 the importance of preserving them and of increasing their numbers. 

 Respectfully, 



C. Hart Merriam, 

 Chief, Biological Survey. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



