UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Bureau of Plant Industry 
Washington 
Division of 
Jan.6,1943 
Fruit and Vegetable Crops and Diseases 
Mr. Joseph S. Merritt led 
Dundalk, Md. 
Dear Mr. Merritt: ion an 
For many years this Division and the Department Library have co- 
operated in building and maintaining a collection of the catalogs 
and other trade lists issued by nurserymen and seedsmen. Every 
catalog or list received is shelf-listed and becomes a permanent 
part of the Library. The collection now numbers more than 67,000 
items. As a student's and research worker's collection it is in- 
valuable in investigations concerning the history, nomenclature, 
characteristics, and distribution of varieties. It is also in con- 
stant use in answering inquiries as to where plant material may be 
obtained and regarding varieties being introduced to the trade. 
The collection as a whole is available to the public for reference 
use, and the information in it is made readily accessible by means 
of indexes. 
In order that this collection may be kept up to date and as com— 
plete as possible, we wish to obtain all trade catalogs and lists 
of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals as issued. Will you kindly 
send us your catalog, price lists or other similar material of the 
current year? It will also be appreciated if you will place our 
address (Reference Librarian, Division of Fruit and Vegetable Crops 
and Diseases, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.) 
on your permanent mailing list to receive your annual catalog and 
other publications as issued. 

We enclose an addressed label for your use in sending your publi- 
cations. 
Very truly yours, 

Encl. 
J. R. Magness 
Head Horticulturist in Charge 
