LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Biological Survey, 

 Washington, D. C, April 13, 1911. 

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

 Bulletin 38 of the Biological Survey, a report on the Birds of Arkan- 

 sas, by Arthur H. Howell. This report fills an important gap in our 

 knowledge of the avifauna of the Mississippi Valley. In mapping 

 the life zones of the region, the lack of definite information as to the 

 number of species within the State of Arkansas, their distribution, 

 and the nature of their occurrence, whether as visitants, migrants, 

 or strays, has been seriously felt, and the present report is designed 

 to supply the needed data. It is the first detailed study to be pub- 

 lished of the avifauna of this State, which is remarkable for the 

 variety and abundance of its bird life, and, although by no means 

 complete, the list marks a long step in advance, adding materially 

 to our knowledge of the birds of the region treated. 

 Kespectfully, 



Henry W. Henshaw, 

 Chief , Biological Survey. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



