LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 
U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
Division of Pomology, 
Washington , D. G., June 15, 1899. 
Sir: In my letter of transmittal of August 18, 1897, accompanying 
the matter embraced in Bulletin No. 6 of this Division, the mutual 
arrangement that had been entered into between the Department of 
Agriculture and the American Pomological Society was fully set forth. 
The relationship thus established still exists, and the bulletin has been 
carefully revised and compiled for publication under the joint auspices 
of the Society and the Division. I now, therefore, have the honor to 
submit to you this revision, and trust that you may authorize its early 
publication. 
As heretofore this revision has been made by a regularly appointed 
committee of the American Pomological Society, of which Prof. W. H. 
Ragan is chairman, and Mr. T. T. Lyon, Prof. E. J. Wickson, Prof. C. 
S. Crandall, Mr. Silas Wilson, and Mr. L. A. Berckmans are members. 
Owing to the varied conditions of soil, climate, and elevation of the 
Pacific coast region it was thought advisable to make a special investi- 
gation of the pomological conditions in that section, and Prof. E. J. 
Wickson, of California, was accordingly appointed a special agent of 
this division for that purpose, and to him special credit is due for his 
valuable services rendered. 
While it is manifestly impossible to construct a general fruit list that 
will constitute an infallible guide to the planter, it is hoped and believed 
that this revised catalogue of fruits will be of service to him in the 
selection of varieties adapted to his own locality. 
With the above explanations I have the honor to recommend the 
publication of this catalogue as Bulletin No. 8 of this Division. 
Very respectfully, 
Hon. James Wilson, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 
G. B. Brackett, Pomologist. 
In accordance with agreement, publication as recommended is hereby 
authorized. 
James Wilson, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 
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