LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 
U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF BIOLOGICAL SURVEY, 
Washington, D. C., June 15, 1898. 
Srr: I have the honor to transmit herewith, and recommend for pub- 
lication as Bulletin 9 of this Division, two papers on the food habits 
of birds, based on investigations conducted in the laboratory of the 
Biological Survey by Prof. F. E. L. Beal and Mr. Sylvester D. Judd. 
Respectfully, 
C. Hart MERRIAM, 
Chief, Biological Survey. 
Hon. JAMES WILSON, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 
