4 



LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



study of the varieties, not only of those already occurring in this 

 country, but of numerous lots from abroad obtained mainly by the 

 Office of Seed and Plant Introduction. Largely on the basis of facts 

 ascertained in these studies a great amount of breeding work is being 

 conducted by Mr. George W. Oliver, with the idea of developing im- 

 proved varieties by combining the best of the traits exhibited. In 

 close connection with this work Prof. W. J. Spillman is studying the 

 Mendelian behavior of the hereditary characters. The work of Mr. 

 W. A. Orton in hybridizing Iron and other cowpeas to develop 

 varieties with high yield of forage and seed, together with resistance 

 to wilt and other diseases, is also closely allied with these investi- 

 gations. 



In the preparation of this paper the author desires to acknowledge 

 the assistance of Mr. W. F. Wight on various botanical problems 

 involved. Mrs. K. S. Bort has rendered much painstaking aid in 

 the compilation of the voluminous notes which have accumulated 

 and in authenticating the specimens which have been preserved each 

 year so that possible errors might be avoided. 

 Very respectfully, 



B. T. Galloway, 



Chief of Bureau. 



Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



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