LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 



Washington, January 20, 1888. 

 Dear Sir : In accordance with your directions to make an investi- 

 gation of the grasses of the arid districts of the West, Mr. G. C. Nealley, 

 of Houston, Tex., was appointed to investigate the grasses and forage 

 plants of the arid portions of Texas, and Prof. S. M. Tracy, of Columbia, 

 Mo., to make similar investigations in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, 

 and Utah. The latter investigations were very thorough, considering 

 the time occupied, but were necessarily mainly restricted to the vicinity 

 of the railroad stations. 



A detailed report from each of those observers is herewith presented. 

 Of the 200 species collected in this region we may be assured that there 

 are many which would prove useful for cultivation, and it is to be hoi>ed 

 that the experiment stations of the States embraced in the arid districts 

 will give to such a thorough triah 

 Eespectfully, 



Geo. Vasey, 



Botanist. 

 Hon. K J, Colman. 



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