ADVERTISEMENT. 



The United States National Herbarium, which was founded by the 

 Smithsonian Institution, was transferred in the year L868 to the 

 Department of Agriculture, and continued to be maintained by that 

 Department until July 1. L896, when it was returned to the official 

 custody of the Smithsonian Institution. The Department of Agri- 

 culture, however, continued to publish the series of botanical reports 

 entitled *• ( Jontributions from the United States National Herbarium," 

 begun in the year L890, until, on duly 1. L902, the National Museum, 

 in pursuance of an act of Congress, assumed responsibility for the 

 publication. The first seven volumes of the series were issued by the 

 Department of Agriculture, 



Richard Rathbun, 

 Assistant Secretary, Smithsonian Institution, 

 in chargi oftJu Unit* d States National Mutk urru 

 ii 



