DET PEetOr TRANSMITTAL. 
TOPEKA, KANs., November 16, 1882. 
Hon. GEORGE B. LORING, 
Commissioner of Agriculture: 
Str: The terms of the commission issued to the undersigned, bearing 
date July 25, 1882, instruct him to investigate and report upon the “ for- 
estry and forestry necessities of the States and Territories of the Mis- 
sissippi Valley and east of the Rocky Mountains.” In the limited time 
allowed for the preparation of this preliminary report the attempt has 
been made to ascertain the conditions and necessities of the country 
west of the Mississippi and east of the Rocky Mountains. 
In the preparation of this report the writer has recognized the duty 
of addressing himself not to special classes, as scientists or professional 
arboriculturists, but to ‘all whom it may concern,” to the end that every 
man who owns his *‘rood of ground” may become interested in the sub-- 
ject of tree-growing, and so co-operate in carrying out the purpose for 
which the bureau of forestry was established. 
For the convenience of the reader the subject-matter herein contained 
is divided under three heads: 
1. The natural condition of the region, as found by the ean settlers, 
or, *‘ what nature did.” 
2. The changes that have been wrought by the progress of settlement 
and through the agency of individuals and the national and State gov- 
ernments, or, ‘what man has done.” 
3. The question of the future development of forestry, with some few 
practical suggestions as to the duty of individuals, corporations, and 
the State aud national governments, or, ‘“‘ what should be done.” 
Respectfully yours, 
F. P. BAKER. 
3 
