LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF FORESTRY, 
Washington, D. C., February 8, 1898. 
Sir: Mr. Frederick V. Coville, Botanist of the Department, while 
engaged in an extended botanical exploration of the Pacific Coast 
region, during the summer of 1597 incidentally made observations 
regarding the effect of sheep grazing on forest growth in the Cascade 
Range Forest Reserve, which he has fully recorded in the accompany- 
ing report. 
Believing that the problems discussed are more germane to those 
with which the Division of Forestry should deal, than to botanical 
questions, he has turned over the same to this division. 
J recommend that the report be printed without delay, since this 
question has an important bearing upon the forest policy of the Gen- 
eral Government and has been here most lucidly and exhaustively 
treated. 
I indorse fully Mr. Coville’s conclusions that sheep grazing without 
proper restrictions and regulations, which have in view to prevent 
overstocking, is detrimental to the reproduction of forest growth and 
to soil conditions and water flow—in some localities more so than in 
others; hence, wherever forest growth is to be maintained and the 
washing of soils with consequent flood dangers is to be avoided, the 
ereatest care and judgment must be exercised as to the manner in 
which sheep grazing may be carried on without detriment. 
I take this opportunity to express the thanks of the division to Mr. 
Coville for placing this valuable information at its disposal. 
Respectfully, 
B. BE. FERNOw, Chief. 
Hon. JAMES WILSON, Secretary. 
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