LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Bureau of Plant Industry, 



Office of the Chief, 



Washington, D. C, July 9, 1912. 

 Sir: I transmit herewith and recommend for publication as Bulle- 

 tin No. 262 of tins Bureau an illustrated manuscript entitled " Orna- 

 mental Cacti: Their Culture and Decorative Value." This manu- 

 script was prepared by Air. Charles Henry Thompson, who carried 

 on the investigations under the direction of the Agriculturist in 

 Charge of Cactus Investigations in the Office of Farm Management. 

 Owing to its strictly horticultural nature, it was deemed wise that it 

 be issued from the Office of Horticultural Investigations and Arling- 

 ton Farm. 



Mr. Thompson has long been in charge of the Succulent Collections 

 of the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis. His position and 

 experience eminently qualify him to discuss this subject. 



It is believed that while this bulletin may be of interest to cactus 

 fanciers throughout the country, its particular field of usefulness 

 will prove to be the warmer and drier southwestern regions where 

 these plants are extensively used for decorative gardening. 

 Respectfully, 



B. T. Galloway, 



Chief of Bureau. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



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