LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Biological Survey, 

 Washington, D. C, July 3, 1906. 

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

 tin No. 27 of the Biological Survey a report on the North American 

 eagles and their economic relations, b}^ Harry C. Oberholser, assistant 

 ornithologist. Widely distributed over the United States and in cer- 

 tain regions numerous, eagles are of considerable economic impor- 

 tance, especially as they are always and everywhere flesh eaters. In 

 some regions they prey upon noxious rodents and render service by 

 disposing of carrion; elsewhere they destroy waterfowl and other 

 game birds, as well as lambs, goats, and poultry. In the present bul- 

 letin an attempt is made to bring together all important facts respect- 

 ing their distribution and food habits and to definitely fix their 

 economic status. 



Respectfully, H. W. Henshaw, 



Acting Chief, Biological Survey. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



